INTERFERENCE AMONG FEMALES OF NASONIA VITRIPENNIS (HYMENOPTERA: PTEROMALIDAE) AND ITS EFFECT ON SEX RATIO OF THEIR PROGENY

Abstract

AbstractInterference among females of Nasonia vitripennis (Walk.) reduced consistently though not significantly the percentage of fertilized (i.e. female) eggs that each female laid. The physical aspect of the interference apparently was responsible for part of the reduction; females whose oviposition was interrupted physically in each of six other ways also laid relatively though not significantly fewer fertilized eggs. Neither olfactory stimuli from other females of the same species, nor contact chemical stimuli left in the area earlier by these females, had any effect. Females resumed fertilizing eggs normally after the interference factor had been removed.