Since it was first obtained from Nezara viridula in Italy in 1998, the braconid parasitoid Aridelus rufotestaceus was found to be common in all sampling areas, with variable efficacy. Therefore, different biological and behavioral studies have been started in order to evaluate its potential as biological control agent. Here we report on the cues used by parasitoid females during the final steps of host location while walking on the substrate and during host recognition. Observations were conducted in special arenas fitted up with a motion equipment which allows evaluation of parasitoid behavior towards immobile vs. mobile dummies of the host, either untreated or treated with chemical host extracts. Parasitoid females did not show any interest towards immobile untreated dummies, whereas they responded in different ways to mobile dummies, both untreated and treated with volatile host extracts. The parasitoid response to host exuviae is also under investigation. Results are discussed in relation to field-collected data on host range of A. rufotestaceus, in order to evaluate its specificity and possible use for control of N. viridula and other pentatomid bugs
Species 1: Heteroptera Pentatomidae Nezara viridula (green stink bug)
Species 2: Hymenoptera Braconidae Aridelus rufotestaceus
Keywords: host selection, visual/chemical cues
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