POPULATION DYNAMICS OFTELENOMUS FARIAI(HYMENOPTERA: SCELIONIDAE), A PARASITE OF CHAGAS’ DISEASE VECTORS: VII. OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOR AND HOST DISCRIMINATION

Abstract

AbstractOviposition and post-oviposition behavior ofTelenomus fariaiCosta Lima, when parasitizing the eggs ofTriatoma phillosoma pallidipennisStål, is described. Like other egg parasitesT.fariaimarks hosts by rubbing the ovipositor against the host and transferring a water soluble pheromone (chemical nature unknown) to its surface. Females that had never parasitized largely ignored the mark. Females that had parasitized generally did not oviposit on a marked host. The mark was fully effective for at least 3 days after being applied. The function of egg marking byT.fariaiis discussed.