Influence of Host Deprivation and Physical Host Characteristics on Host Selection Behavior of the Hyperparasite Cheiloneurus noxius (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)

Abstract

Females of the encyrtid hyperparasite Cheiloneurus noxius Compere were exposed to different combinations of artificial models and natural hosts either simultaneously or separately. Those deprived of hosts from adult emergence tended to be most active 2 days after emergence and to remain active for several days afterward. Oviposition behavior tended to increase in intensity during this same period. The shape of the secondary host had a rather large effect on the oviposition-related behavior of C. noxius females; a rounded, convex host model was more acceptable than was a flat or concave one. The shade, moisture content, state of interior, surface texture, and size of hosts were relatively unimportant to the discriminatory process.