Single sensillum olfactory response of Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) to host-related volatiles

The parasitoid, Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), uses host-related volatiles as foraging and host location cues. Previous studies by our group suggest sexual differences in the behavioral response of this parasitoid to various suites of host-related volatiles. In this study, we investigated the responses of olfactory receptor neurons co-localized in sensilla placodea of both sexes to host-related volatiles using single sensillum recording (SSR) technique. Six behaviorally active compounds were tested: hexanal, cis-3-hexenol, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, hexenyl acetate, (E,E) á-farnesene and linalool. The results are discussed in relation to the role of host-related volatiles in the behavioral ecology of male and female parasitoids.