LAUSR

Abstract Bauhinia variegata L. is a host of Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead). The highest percentages of the total monthly mean count were found to be 17.25 and 16.64%, in January during the 1st and 2nd years, respectively. Aphytis lingnanensis Compere was found to parasitize on A. orientalis. Parasitism rates were 6.48 and 5.35% during the first and the second seasons. A. orientalis was capable of tolerating parasitization via encapsulating the parasitoid’s eggs. The highest encapsulation rate was 39.41% of adult scales during the 2nd year. Predation rate on A. orientalis reached 11.11 and 9.35 during the 1st and the 2nd year, respectively caused by Chilocorus bipustulatus (L). Meanwhile, predation rate on A. lingnanensis parasitoid’s pupae was 32.19 and 30.36% during the first and the second season, respectively. The severe reduction of the parasitoid results from the encapsulation phenomenon that occurred in A. orientalis, as well as from feeding of C. bipustulatus on the parasitoid’s pupae situated below the A. orientalis shell. The implications of these results on the biological control of A. orientalis are discussed and this information will be useful in the decision of IPM strategies for this pest.