parasitic wasp on pupating caterpillars

[Nivia Ruiz]

Hi everyone,

My Name is Nivia and I am new to the group. I am from Miami, Florida and I am raising Monarch caterpillars. I am having problems with the parasitic wasp. I have a tent where I am rearing the cats and a small tent in the greenhouse. The wasps are getting in an infecting the caterpillars. Any advise? I am bringing them in the garage at the 5th instar, but I was wondering if I make cages with veil materia which has very fine holes, could that be the solution.

I would appreciate any help at this point.

Thanks

[Jim]

Hi Nivia - welcome!

The best way to protect developing larvae from predators and parasites is to find them early in development and enclose the plant they are feeding on with a tightly sealed mesh bag - we offer Insect Rearing Sleeves for just this purpose (or you can try to make your own):

http://shop.monarchwatch.org/product.aspx?p=113205

Hope this helps!