Host Recognition Behavior of the Tachinid Parasitoid, Compsilura concinnata1

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Abstract
The host recognition behavior of Compsilura concinnata (Meigen) (Diptera: Tachinidae) was investigated by exposing hosts of various types to female parasitoids and observing them. One week or older females attacked hosts with little regard to time of day. They examined and attacked moving hosts preferentially and responded more to gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) larvae than to greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Gypsy moth larvae which were freeze-dried were attacked even when headless, hairless, or divided in half. Evidence suggests that the parasitoid must physically contact a host before examinations and attacks occur. Integumentary chemicals may have a role, but this was not definitively shown. Females deposited larvae in host integuments filled with an agar solution to the same extent they did in living larvae.

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