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Optimal patch time allocation for time-limited foragers

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Abstract

The Charnov Marginal Value Theorem (MVT) predicts the optimal foraging duration of animals exploiting patches of resources. The predictions of this model have been verified for various animal species. However, the model is based on several assumptions that are likely too simplistic. One of these assumptions is that animals are living forever (i.e., infinite horizon). Using a simple dynamic programming model, we tested the importance of this assumption by analysing the optimal strategy for time-limited foragers. We found that, for time-limited foragers, optimal patch residence times should be greater than those predicted from the classic, static MVT, and the deviation should increase when foragers are approaching the end of their life. These predictions were verified for females of the parasitoid Anaphes victus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) exploiting egg patches of its host, the carrot weevil Listronotus oregonensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). As predicted by the model, females indeed remained for a longer time on host patches when they approached the end of their life. Experimental results were finally analysed with a Cox regression model to identify the patch-leaving decision rules females used to behave according to the model’s predictions.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by research grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to G. Boivin. J. Vaillancourt is thanked for her technical assistance. T.S. Hoffmeister, R.H. Messing, E. Mondor, P. Nonacs, J.S. Pierre and B.D. Roitberg are thanked for their comments on an earlier version of the manuscript. This work is part of GDR 2155 ‘Ecologie Comportementale’ [Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) commission 29] and the European Science Foundation (ESF)/Behavioural Ecology of Insect Parasitoids (BEPAR) scientific programme. All the experimental procedures conformed to French and Canadian law.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inra, 400 Route des Chappes, BP 167, 06903, Sophia Antipolis, Cedex, France

    Eric Wajnberg

  2. UNSA/CNRS I3S, Ecole Polytechnique de Nice Sophia Antipolis, 930, Route des Colles, BP 145, 06903, Sophia Antipolis, Cedex, France

    Pierre Bernhard & Frédéric Hamelin

  3. Centre de Recherche et de Développement en Horticulture, Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada, 430 Boul. Gouin, J3B 3E6, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Canada

    Guy Boivin

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  1. Eric Wajnberg
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  2. Pierre Bernhard
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  4. Guy Boivin
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Correspondence to Eric Wajnberg.

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Communicated by H. Kokko

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Wajnberg, E., Bernhard, P., Hamelin, F. et al. Optimal patch time allocation for time-limited foragers. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 60, 1–10 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-005-0131-7

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