Field parasitism of Ceratitis capitata larvae by Aganaspis daci in Chios, Greece

High parasitism rates were recorded in the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in pupae derived from field infested figs, on the Greek island of Chios in 1999 and 2000. Adult parasitoids were identified as Aganaspis daci (Weld) (Hymenoptera: Eucoilidae), previously known as Trybliographa daci (Weld). Approximately 45% of C. capitata pupae yielded adult parasitoid in both years and the total mortality of pupae due to the parasitoid was 62-65%. Development of male A. daci at 25°C, reared on 3rd instar larvae of C. capitata, was shorter than that of the female (?34 and 37 days respectively). Average adult male longevity was 4-5 days longer than female (16-17 to 11-12 days, respectively) and almost identical in wild and F1 parasitoids of both sexes. We suggest that A. daci may be an efficient form of biological control of C. capitata in the Mediterranean region and probably in other areas.