Influence of Adult Food on Viability of Early Stages of Aptesis basizonia (Grav.) (Hyraenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a Parasite of Pine Sawflies (Diprionidae)

Abstract

It is well known that the reproduction of insects is affected by the nature of the larval and adult foods. However, there seems to be no consistent pattern of adult requirements; possibly this may be due in part to the varying amount of nutrients carried over from the immature stages to the adults of different species. This effect of food upon reproduction is an important factor influencing densities and distributions of insects. And rewartha and Birch (2954) pointed out that the quality of the food may influence an animal's chance to survive and multiply. Finlayson and Green (1940) found that fecundity of the parasite Aptesis basizonia (Grav.) was reduced about 80 per cent and that longevity was drastically shortened when mated females were allowed access to water but not food. Indirect factors may also be responsible. Allen and Selman (1955) showed that there was a significant reduction in egg production of the mustard beetle, Phaedon cochleariae (F.), when fed on leaves deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or iron. Soils with such deficiencies might account for local variations in the density and distribution of insect species. Evans (1938) found that lack of light influenced the amount of protein in cabbages and ultimately reduced the number of young of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) by about two-thirds. The effect of food on viability is of secondary importance, but should be investigated in any study of reproduction.