The effect of fungus infection ofMetopolophium dirhodum [Hom.: Aphididae] on the oviposition behaviour of the aphid parasitoidAphidius rhopalosiphi [Hym.: Aphidiidae

Abstract

The oviposition behaviour of the hymenopterous parasitoidAphidius rhopalosiphi onMetopolophium dirhodum nymphs at successive stages of infection with the aphid-pathogenic fungusErynia neoaphidis was compared with that on uninfected nymphs. The frequency with which the parasitoid attempted to oviposit diminished in aphids inoculated with the fungus 3 days previously, that is within only 24 h of dying of the infection, but not in those infected only 1 or 2 days previously. The parasitoid did not attempt to oviposit in aphids killed by the fungus.