Tuesday, 19 November 2002
D0337

This presentation is part of : Display Presentations, Subsection Cd. Behavior and Ecology

Combination of host motion and volatiles used as cues by Aridelus rufotestaceus, a nymphal/adult parasitoid of Nezara viridula

Gianandrea Salerno, Eric Conti, and Ferdinando Bin. University of Perugia, Department of Arboriculture and Plant Protection - Entomology, Borgo XX Giugno, Perugia, Italy

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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