The effects of habitat fragmentation and host distribution on Cephalonomia tarsalis search efficiency and behavior were examined using a neutral model approach. A 2 by 2 factorial design with two levels of habitat fragmentation and host distribution was used. Landscapes were created on a 0.96m x 0.96m board with 256 6 X 6 cm cells, using the program Rule. Habitat consisted of a whole wheat kernel/oat monolayer. Hosts (4th instar O. surinamensis larvae) were assigned to habitat cells with two levels of host distribution, even and clumped. Trials were conducted by placing hosts in the habitat cells and then releasing a single C. tarsalis female into the arena. After 48 hours the number of paralyzed larvae and number of eggs per larva were recorded. To determine the effects of habitat fragmentation and host distribution on localized search behavior, a second experiment was performed in which C. tarsalis movement was recorded on each arena for one hour.