Host recognition by Pimpla instigator F. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae): preferences and learned responses

TY - JOUR

T1 - Host recognition by Pimpla instigator F. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae): preferences and learned responses

AU - Schmidt, J.

AU - Cardé, R.T.

AU - Vet, L.E.M.

N1 - Reporting year: 1993 Metis note: 13589;article; knaw:62

PY - 1993

Y1 - 1993

N2 - This study identifies some previously unreported tactile and visual cues used by the pupal parasitoid Pimpla instigatorF. (Ichneumonidae) to recognize potential hosts. Paper cylinders were presented to the wasps as simple models of lepidopteran pupae. Acceptance of these models was evaluated by determining the frequency with which the wasps punctured the cylinders with their ovipositors. The length of the cylinders did not influence acceptance of the models; however, both surface texture and structural modifications to the ends of the cylinder did affect the frequency of punctures. Smooth cylinders were punctured more often than roughened cylinders, and cylinders with closed ends were frequently punctured, whereas open-ended cylinders were consistently rejected. The wasps also discriminated between blue and yellow cylinders and could be trained to associate blue or yellow with the presence of hosts. Preferences were established during a single 90- min training period and persisted for at least 4 days following training.

AB - This study identifies some previously unreported tactile and visual cues used by the pupal parasitoid Pimpla instigatorF. (Ichneumonidae) to recognize potential hosts. Paper cylinders were presented to the wasps as simple models of lepidopteran pupae. Acceptance of these models was evaluated by determining the frequency with which the wasps punctured the cylinders with their ovipositors. The length of the cylinders did not influence acceptance of the models; however, both surface texture and structural modifications to the ends of the cylinder did affect the frequency of punctures. Smooth cylinders were punctured more often than roughened cylinders, and cylinders with closed ends were frequently punctured, whereas open-ended cylinders were consistently rejected. The wasps also discriminated between blue and yellow cylinders and could be trained to associate blue or yellow with the presence of hosts. Preferences were established during a single 90- min training period and persisted for at least 4 days following training.

U2 - 10.1007/BF01049143

DO - 10.1007/BF01049143

M3 - Article

SN - 0892-7553

VL - 6

SP - 1

EP - 11

JO - Journal of Insect Behavior

JF - Journal of Insect Behavior

IS - 1

ER -