Host-finding Ability of Bracon hebetor and Its Influence upon Adult Parasite Survival and Fecundity 1
- 1 June 1977
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Environmental Entomology
- Vol. 6 (3) , 437-439
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/6.3.437
Abstract
In laboratory studies the parasite-host interaction between Bracon hebetor Say and Ephestia cautella (Walker) was influenced by migration of host larvae prior to pupation and by parasite females feeding on hosts. Wandering host larvae were attacked 10 times more often than confined hosts. Adult female parasites often paralyze host without oviposition. Survival and fecundity of adult female parasites were directly related to the frequency of host-finding. Host-feeding prolonged adult female parasite survival, but adult male parasites did not host-feed. The effects of starvation were partially reversible when adult female parasites given host at 2- or 5-day intervals were again given host daily. The long reproductive life, short generation time, and reliance upon host as food for adults and offspring should make B. hebetor quite responsive to manipulation of host availability.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- STARVATION STUDIES WITH THE PARASITIC WASP HABROBRACONThe Biological Bulletin, 1950