Abdomen marking of the parasitoid wasp, Urolepis rufipes

Many animal species use pheromone marking as a way to identify their territory. Among parasitoid wasps, this is frequently reported for females (oviposition deterring pheromones), but there are few reports for males. I have observed marking in males of the parasitoid wasp Urolepis rufipes and here examine the conditions under which males mark and whether males and females respond to the males’ marks. I used behavioral observations to identify the function of the marking. Virgin males mark more when with a virgin or mated female, than with another male. Also, mated males mark about twice as much as virgin males so these markings may help males find their way back to where a successful mating has taken place.