Apanteles heterusiae Wilkinson is a major larval parasitoid of Diaphania pyloalis Walker in Zhejiang, China. In this paper, the biological characteristics of A. heterusiae are reported. Under the natural conditions of Zhejiang, its average rate of parasitism was about 16. 8% from 2000 to 2002. The lifespan of adults was 1-3 d,with an average of 2. 2 d . Fed with 15% honey, the lifespan of adults was 7-18 d, with an average of 14.2 d . It parasitized the 1st to 2nd instar larvae of D. pyloalis. Under lab-oratory conditions of Hangzhou, it has six generations within a year. The development duration of A. heterusiae Wilkinson varied with temperature. At 24. 0 °C and 25. 3 °C, the mean development periods from egg to adult were 15. 3 d and 13.5 d, respectively. Reproduction; Life cycle and development; Development; Parasites diseases and disorders; Parasites; Insect parasites; Hosts; Insect hosts; Abiotic factors; Physical factors; Land zones; Palaearctic region; Eurasia; Asia; China Diaphania pyloalis (Pyralidae); Hymenopteran parasites; Apanteles heterusiae; Parasite biology & prevalence; Zhejiang; Hymenopteran parasite biology & prevalence Apanteles heterusiae (Braconidae); Reproductive productivity; Number of generations; Development; Duration of development; Longevity; Lepidopteran hosts; Diaphania pyloalis; Parasite biology & prevalence; Temperature; Zhejiang; Biology & prevalence, lepidopteran host none