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Host acceptance and discrimination byComperia merceti (Compere) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and evidence for an optimal density range for resource utilization

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Abstract

The cement used by females ofSupella longipala (F.) (Orthoptera∶Blattellidae) to bind their oothecae to substrates acts as a kairomone for host acceptance by the parasitoidComperia merceti. C. merceti discriminates parasitized from unparasitized oothecae and oviposts at reduced levels in the former. Low survival rates for parasitoids reared from oothecae receiving fewer than four ovipositions suggests that an “optimal density range” for resource utilization byC. merceti exists.

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Author notes

  1. C. Hulbert

    Present address: , 7151 Edgemoor Street, 77074, Houston, Texas

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, Massachusetts

    R. G. Van Driesche & C. Hulbert

Authors
  1. R. G. Van Driesche
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  2. C. Hulbert
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Van Driesche, R.G., Hulbert, C. Host acceptance and discrimination byComperia merceti (Compere) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and evidence for an optimal density range for resource utilization. J Chem Ecol 10, 1399–1409 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988121

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00988121

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