Reproductive efficiency of the bethylid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis: the influences of spatial structure and host density.
Bull Entomol Res
; 107(2): 139-147, 2017 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27691997
ABSTRACT
The parasitoid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera Bethylidae) is commonly present in stored product facilities. While beneficial, it does not provide a high degree of biological pest control against its host, the saw-toothed beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera Silvanidae). A candidate explanation for poor host population suppression is that adult females interfere with each other's foraging and reproductive behavior. We used simple laboratory microcosms to evaluate such mutual interference in terms of its overall effects on offspring production. We varied the density of the hosts and also the spatial structure of the environment, via the extent of population sub-division and the provision of different substrates. Production of C. tarsalis offspring was positively influenced by host density and by the isolation of females. With incomplete sub-division within microcosms offspring production was, in contrast, low and even zero. The provision of corrugated paper as a substrate enhanced offspring production and partially mitigated the effects of mutual interference. We recommend simple improvements to mass rearing practice and identify promising areas for further behavioral and chemical studies towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of mutual interference.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Contexto em Saúde:
2_ODS3
Problema de saúde:
2_enfermedades_transmissibles
Assunto principal:
Vespas
/
Besouros
/
Controle Biológico de Vetores
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Bull Entomol Res
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Grécia