Abstract
Superparasitism is a widespread phenomenon in parasitoids and may be advantageous in some circumstances. In this study, offspring sex ratio was analysed in three superparasitism situations: when the second egg was laid by a random Eupelmus vuilleti (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) female from a group, when an isolated female was allowed to lay two eggs on the same host (self-superparasitism) or laid one egg on a host already parasitized by a conspecific (conspecific superparasitism). Females produced a different offspring sex ratio according to the different superparasitism situations tested. These sex ratios are in line with the local mate competition theory. The results further suggest that females can discriminate between hosts parasitized by a conspecific or by themselves and adapt the sex of the eggs they lay accordingly.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.