Superparasitism and fitness parameters in three native wasp parasitoids (Braconidae: Opiinae) of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).
Bull Entomol Res
; 112(2): 253-260, 2022 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34530939
ABSTRACT
Knowledge on reproductive strategies and host use in insect parasitoids is fundamental for biological control purposes. Superparasitism and multiparasitism, oviposition in a previously parasitized host by a female of the same or different species, respectively, may impact pest management decisions. Our objective was to determine the occurrence of superparasitism and multiparasitism in three species of native larval-pupal solitary endoparasitoids that attack Anastrepha Shiner species (Diptera Tephritidae) in the Neotropical region, and the possible effect on offspring fitness parameters. Doryctobracon crawfordi (Viereck), Utetes anastrephae (Viereck), and Opius hirtus (Fischer) occur in sympatry in Mexico, and are currently under consideration for use as biocontrol agents. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions with females acting alone (self-superparasitism), females in groups of the same species (conspecific superparasitism), and females in mixed groups (multiparasitism). Our results showed that self-superparasitism is an uncommon strategy in the three native species and is rare under conditions of intraspecific competition. In the case of multiparasitism, a higher number of immature stages of U. anastrephae was observed, compared to those of D. crawfordi and O. hirtus. However, it is not clear yet if this was due to some adult female trait or to the competitive ability of the larvae. We conclude that most females of the native species studied appeared to avoid superparasitism, specifically when acting alone, suggesting a high discrimination ability, which is probably a result of a close relationship and evolutionary history with Anastrepha hosts.
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Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Vespas
/
Tephritidae
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Mexico
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Bull Entomol Res
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article