Rearing the parasitoid Exorista larvarum (L.) on artificial media

The complete development of the tachinid parasitoid Exorista larvarum (L.) was obtained on artificial media both including and devoid of insect components, with adult yields approaching those commonly achieved in the factitious host Galleria mellonella L. This article reviews the current state of research concerning these issues, including improvement of the artificial media, simplification of the in vitro technique, in vitro rearing from eggs laid out of host and quality control of in vitro vs. in vivo-reared parasitoids.