On the Evolution of Host Selection in Solitary Parasitoids

Abstract
Host selection by solitary parasitoids is modeled as a problem in life-historical evolution. Our basic approach is to assume fitness maximization in the face of trade-offs. We consider two kinds of trade-offs: (1) patchy versus fine-grained host distribution, and (2) an egg-production rate that is either negatively related to adult survival or simply a fixed constant. These lead to four general cases, and we derive the range of hosts attacked under each. The resulting decision rules are similar to several decision rules from classical foraging theory.