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Reproductive efficiency of the bethylid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis: the influences of spatial structure and host density

Eliopoulos, Panagliotis A.; Kapranas, Apostolos; Givropoulou, Elftheria; Hardy, Ian C.W.

Reproductive efficiency of the bethylid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis: the influences of spatial structure and host density Thumbnail


Authors

Panagliotis A. Eliopoulos

Apostolos Kapranas

Elftheria Givropoulou

Ian C.W. Hardy



Abstract

The parasitoid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is commonly present in stored product facilities. While beneficial, it does not provide a high 24 degree of biological pest control against its host, the saw-toothed beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae). A candidate explanation for poor host population suppression is that adult females interfere with each other’s foraging and reproductive behavior. We used simple laboratory microcosms to evaluate such mutual interference in terms of its overall effects on offspring production. We varied the density of the hosts and also the spatial structure of the environment, via the extent of population sub-division and the provision of different substrates. Production of C. tarsalis offspring was positively influenced by host density and by the isolation of females. With incomplete sub-division within microcosms offspring production was, in contrast, low and even zero. The provision of corrugated paper as a substrate enhanced offspring production and partially mitigated the effects of mutual interference. We recommend simple improvements to mass rearing practice and identify promising areas for further behavioral and chemical studies towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of mutual interference.

Citation

Eliopoulos, P. A., Kapranas, A., Givropoulou, E., & Hardy, I. C. (in press). Reproductive efficiency of the bethylid wasp Cephalonomia tarsalis: the influences of spatial structure and host density. Bulletin of Entomological Research, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485316000651

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 28, 2016
Online Publication Date Oct 3, 2016
Deposit Date Jul 1, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Bulletin of Entomological Research
Print ISSN 0007-4853
Electronic ISSN 1475-2670
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485316000651
Keywords Mutual interference, Cephalonomia tarsalis, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Stored products, behavioural and chemical interactions
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/824940
Publisher URL https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/div-classtitlereproductive-efficiency-of-the-bethylid-wasp-span-classitaliccephalonomia-tarsalisspan-the-influences-of-spatial-structure-and-host-densitydiv/F9308343DAD4329

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