Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Host discrimination ability in the tephritid parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Pest Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

An Erratum to this article was published on 05 June 2013

Abstract

Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont larval-pupal endoparasitoid of many Tephritidae of economic importance. Little has been reported on the ability of females to discriminate between healthy and parasitized hosts, as well as parasitized versus superparasitized larvae. Two-choice bioassays were conducted to evaluate the preferences of P. concolor naïve females for healthy or single-parasitized/superparasitized C. capitata larvae, as well as the host discrimination ability among medfly larvae which had been superparasitized by the same wasp or by a conspecific one. Psyttalia concolor preferred to oviposit in a unparasitized C. capitata larva than in a self-parasitized one. Females also showed an innate ability to discriminate between larvae parasitized twice or only once, preferring the latter. This ability helps the female to optimise its oviposition decisions by deliberately avoiding superparasitized hosts, since it is known that they give a lower return in offspring number and quality than do singly parasitized hosts. Our findings contribute to a better knowledge of the P. concolor host location behaviour and also to improve its mass-rearing technique through a rational management of the host/parasitoid ratio and the host exposure time. Indeed, the proper setting of these parameters allows to reduce the fraction of single-parasitized and heavily superparasitized larvae and to enhance P. concolor rearing in terms of parasitoid offspring.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bakker K, Peulet PH, Visser ME (1989) The ability to distinguish between hosts containing different numbers of parasitoid eggs by the solitary parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma (Thomson) (Hym., Cynip.). Neth J Zool 40:514–520

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benelli G, Canale A (2012) Learning of visual cues in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Biocontrol 57:767–777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benelli G, Bonsignori G, Stefanini C, Canale A (2012a) Courtship and mating behaviour in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): the role of wing fanning. J Pest Sci 85:55–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benelli G, Flamini G, Canale A, Cioni PL, Conti B (2012b) Toxicity evaluation of different essential oil formulations against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera Tephritidae). Crop Prot 42:223–229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Canale A (1998) Effect of parasitoid/host ratio on superparasitism of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae) by Opius concolor Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Frustula Entomol 21:137–148

    Google Scholar 

  • Canale A, Benelli G (2012) Impact of mass-rearing on the host-seeking behaviour and parasitism by the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). J Pest Sci 85:65–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Canale A, Raspi A (2000) Host location and oviposition behaviour in Opius concolor Szépligeti (Hymenoptera, Braconidae). Entomol Probl 31:25–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Carpita A, Canale A, Raffaelli A, Saba A, Benelli G, Raspi A (2012) (Z)-9-Tricosene identified in rectal glands extracts of Bactrocera oleae males: first evidence of a male-produced female attractant in olive fruit fly. Naturwissenschaften 99:77–81

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chow A, Mackauer M (1996) Sequential allocation of offspring sexes in the hyperparasitoid wasp, Dendrocerus carpenteri. Anim Behav 51:859–870

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cloutier C, Lothar AD, Bauduin F (1984) Host discrimination in the aphid parasitoid Aphidius nigripes. Can J Zool 62:1367–1372

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daane KM, Johnson MW (2010) Olive fruit fly: managing an ancient pest in modern times. Annu Rev Entomol 55:151–169

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Darrouzet E, Bignon, Chevrier C (2007) Impact of mating status on egg-laying and superparasitism behaviour in a parasitoid wasp. Entomol Exp Appl 123:279–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorn S, Beckage NE (2007) Superparasitism in gregarious Hymenopteran parasitoids: ecological, behavioural and physiological perspectives. Physiol Entomol 32:199–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher RC (1971) Aspects of the physiology of endoparasitic Hymenoptera. Biol Rev 46:243–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Godfray HCJ (1994) Parasitoids: behavioral and evolutionary ecology. Princeton University Press, Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • González PI, Montoya P, Perez-Lachaud G, Cancino J, Liedo P (2007) Superparasitism in mass reared Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). Biol Control 40:320–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goubault M, Crespi L, Boivin G, Poinsot D, Nénon JP, Cortesero AM (2004) Intraspecific variations in host discrimination behavior in the pupal parasitoid Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae Rondani (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Environ Entomol 33:362–369

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goubault M, Cortesero AM, Paty C, Fourrier J, Dourlot S, Le Ralec A (2011) Abdominal sensory equipment involved in external host discrimination in a solitary parasitoid wasp. Microsc Res Tech 74:1145–1153

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greany PD, Hawke SD, Carlysle TC, Anthony DW (1977) Sense organs in the ovipositor of Biosteres (Opius) longicaudatus, a parasite of the caribbean fruit fly Anastrepha suspensa. Ann Entomol Soc Am 70:319–321

    Google Scholar 

  • Gu H, Wang Q, Dorn S (2003) Superparasitism in Cotesia glomerata: response of hosts and consequences for parasitoids. Ecol Entomol 28:422–431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey JA, Harvey IF, Thompson DJ (1993) The effect of superparasitism on development of the solitary parasitoid wasp, Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Ecol Entomol 18:203–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hegazi E, Khafagi W (2008) The effects of host age and superparasitism by the parasitoid, Microplitis rufiventris on the cellular and humoral immune response of Spodoptera littoralis larvae. J Invert Pathol 98:79–84

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacas JA, Budia F, Rodriguez-Cerezo E, Vinuela E (1997) Virus-like particles in the poison gland of the parasitic wasp Opius concolor. Ann Appl Biol 130:587–592

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kitano H, Nakatsuji N (1978) Resistance of Apanteles eggs to haemocytic encapsulation by their habitual host, Pieris. J Insect Physiol 24:261–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackauer M, Chau A (2001) Adaptive self superparasitism in a solitary parasitoid wasp: the influence of clutch size on offspring size. Funct Ecol 15:335–343

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmoud AMA, Lim UT (2008) Host discrimination and interspecific competition of Trissolcus nigripedius and Telenomus gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), sympatric parasitoids of Dolycoris baccarum (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Biol Control 45:337–343

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayhew PJ, van Alphen JJM (1999) Gregarious development in alysiine parasitoids evolved through a reduction in larval aggression. Anim Behav 58:131–141

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meyhöfer R, Casas J (1999) Vibratory stimuli in host location by parasitic wasps. J Insect Physiol 45:967–971

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moore D, Ridout MS (1987) Avoidance of super-parasitism of stem-boring larvae by Chasmodon apterus [Hym.: Braconidae]. Entomophaga 32:299–302

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Outreman Y, Le Ralec A, Plantegenest M, Chaubet B, Pierre JS (2001) Superparasitism limitation in an aphid parasitoid: cornicle secretion avoidance and host discrimination ability. J Insect Physiol 47:339–348

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Plantegenest M, Outreman J, Goubault M, Wajnberg E (2004) Parasitoids flip a coin before deciding to superparasitize. J Anim Ecol 73:802–806

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rabinovich JE, Jorda MT, Bernstein C (2000) Local mate competition and precise sex ratios in Telenomus fariai (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a parasitoid of triatomine eggs. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 48:308–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raspi A, Canale A (2000) Effect of superparasitism on Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) second instar larvae by Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Redia LXXXIII:123–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Santolamazza-Carbone S, Rodriguez-Illamola A, Cordero Rivera A et al (2004) Host finding and host discrimination ability in Anaphes nitens Girault, an egg parasitoid of the Eucalyptus snout-beetle Gonipterus scutellatus Gyllenhal. Biol Control 29:24–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sprinthall RC (2003) Basic statistical analysis. Pearson Education, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Tepedino VJ (1988) Host discrimination in Monodontomerus obsoletus Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Torymidae), a parasite of the Alfalfa leafcutting bee Megachile rotundata (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera:Megachilidae). J N Y Entomol Soc 96:113–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson SN (1986) Effect of the insect parasite Hyposoter axiguae (Viereck) on the carbohydrate metabolism of its host, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). J Insect Physiol 32:287–293

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ueno T, Tanaka T (1994) Can a female parasitoid recognize a previously rejected host? Anim Behav 47:988–990

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Alphen JJM, Jervis MA (1996) Foraging behaviour. In: Jervis M, Kidd N (eds) Insect natural enemies. Chapman & Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • van Alphen JJM, Nell HW (1981) Superparasitism and host discrimination by Asobara tabida Nees (Braconidae, Alysiinae), a larval parasitoid of Drosophila. Neth J Zool 32:232–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Alphen JJM, Visser ME (1990) Superparasitism as an adaptive strategy for insect parasitoids. Annu Rev Entomol 35:59–79

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Baaren J, Boivin G, Nénon JP (1994) Intra- and interspecific host discrimination in two closely related egg parasitoids. Oecologia 100:325–330

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Dijken MJ, Waage JK (1987) Self and conspecific superparasitism by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma evanescens. Entomol Exp Appl 43:183–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varaldi J, Fouilllet P, Boulétreau M, Fleury F (2005) Superparasitism acceptance and patch-leaving mechanisms in parasitoids: a comparison between two sympatric wasps. Anim Behav 69:1227–1234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinson SB (1998) The general host selection behavior of parasitoid Hymenoptera and a comparison of initial strategies utilized by larvaphagous and oophagous species. Biol Control 11:79–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinson SB, Guillot FS (1972) Host marking: source of a substance that results in host discrimination in insect parasitoids. Entomophaga 17:241–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinson SB, Sroka P (1978) Effects of superparasitism by a solitary endoparasitoid on the host, parasitoid and field samplings. Southwest Entomol 3:299–301

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang XY, Yang ZQ, Gould JR, Wu H, Ma JH (2010) Host-seeking behavior and parasitism by Spathius agrili Yang (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid of the emerald ash borer. Biol Control 52:24–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XG, Johnson MW, Yokoyama VY, Pickett CH, Daane KM (2011) Comparative evaluation of two olive fruit fly parasitoids under varying abiotic conditions. Biocontrol 56:283–293

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weisser WW, Houston AI (1993) Host discrimination in parasitic wasps: When is it advantageous? Funct Ecol 7:27–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wharton RA (1997) Generic relationships of opiine Braconidae (Hymenoptera) parasitic on fruit-infesting Tephritidae (Diptera). Contrib Am Entomol Inst 30:1–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamada YY, Miyamoto K (1998) Payoff from self and conspecific superparasitism in a dryinid parasitoid, Haplogonatopus atratus. Oikos 81:209–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamada YY, Sugaura K (2003) Evidence for adaptive self-superparasitism in the drynid parasitoid Haplogonatopus atratus when conspecifics are present. Oikos 103:175–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang L, Raspi A (1999) Learning behaviour of Opius concolor Szépligeti (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in host discrimination. Entomol Sin 6:259–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang JH, Gu LQ, Wang CZ (2010) Superparasitism behavior and host discrimination of Campoletis chloridae (Ichneumonidae: Hymenoptera) toward Mythimna separata (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). Environ Entomol 39:1249–1254

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Adrian Wallwork for proofreading the English, Augusto Loni, Paolo Giannotti and Giulia Giunti (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa) for their kind assistance.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via San Michele degli Scalzi 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy

    Giovanni Benelli, Gabriele Gennari & Angelo Canale

Authors
  1. Giovanni Benelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gabriele Gennari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Angelo Canale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angelo Canale.

Additional information

Communicated by N. Agusti

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Benelli, G., Gennari, G. & Canale, A. Host discrimination ability in the tephritid parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). J Pest Sci 86, 245–251 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-012-0471-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-012-0471-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation