Host-Feeding and Oviposition on Musca domestica by Spalangia cameroni, Nasonia vitripennis, and Muscidifurax raptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Influences Their Longevity and Fecundity1

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Abstract
The longevity and fecundity of 3 pteromalid species in response to 3 host-availability treatments were charted. In Treatment 1, 20 hosts were supplied daily after mating; in Treatment 2, 1 host was supplied initially for 24 hours followed by no hosts for 48 hours, with 20 hosts being supplied thereafter; and in Treatment 3, no hosts for 72 hours after mating followed by 20 supplied daily. The adults of Spalangia cameroni Perkins and Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) required hosts when very young for maximum longevity and oviposition; Muscidifurax raptor Girault and Sanders performed best when deprived of hosts for a minimum of 4 days after emergence. Responses were proportional to the intensity of host-feeding and oviposition. Host availability of young adult females apparently influences their reproductivity and behavior during their entire life span. The extent and direction that behavior is affected depends on the species involved. Results are compared with those of other workers.

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