ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
Pholetesor bicolor
;
Phyllonorycter pomonella
;
leafminer
;
host selection
;
host location
;
learning
;
oviposition
;
parasitoid
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The relationship between host stage selection and foraging behaviour of Pholetesor bicolor Nees (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of Phyllonorycter spp. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), was investigated under laboratory conditions. The endophytic host develops through two larval stages with different feeding habits, accordingly named sap- and tissue-feeders. The parasitoid was able to find and parasitise both larval stages, even though it is most successful in parasitising the sap-feeder stage. The influence of experience in the parasitoid's searching behaviour was observed in a choice bioassay. Searching activity increased when either contact experience with the sap- or the tissue-feeder host was given. Furthermore, the ability of the parasitoid to locate a sap- or a tissue-feeder infested plant was influenced by the type of experience given prior to the bioassay. Naive females were less active, and were observed with equal frequency on sap-feeder, tissue-feeder and non-infested plants. In contrast, females that were given previous contact experience with sap-feeders (i.e., the host stage which provided the most successful parasitism) were observed foraging more often on plants infested by the sap-feeders, than on those infested by tissue-feeders or on non-infested plants. Experience with a tissue-feeder host had no detectable effect on host stage location and only enhanced P. bicolor's foraging activity. The advantages of learning in this tritrophic system are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003935922578
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