The use of visual cues in host evaluation by aphidiid wasps. II: Comparison between Ephedrus californicus, Monoctonus paulensis, and Praon pequodorum

摘要: We examined host evaluation behaviour in three species of aphid parasitoids, Ephedrus californicus Baker, Monoctonus paulensis (Ashmead), and Praon pequodorum Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae). Mated females were provided with pairwise choices among kinds hosts the laboratory: (green) pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), a green pink colour morph alfalfa Macrosiphum creelii Davis. Patterns attack acceptance species-specific. Females E. did not respond to presence aphids prior making antennal contact. Variations rates parasitization (pea aphid>green aphid>pink aphid) consistent differences defensive behaviours; no ‘preference’ for any type was evident when anaesthetized carbon dioxide. In M. paulensis, order preference vary immobilized, or presented dark, both. Host movement influence rate by paulensis. contrast, ranked P. varied circumstance. light, attacked equal frequency, but parasitized significantly more former; both at higher than aphid. equally aphids. Whereas successful ovipositing immobilized hosts, laid eggs normal recognition are compared across six representing four genera family Aphidiidae.