Host Selection Behavior of Anicetus bene ficus ishiiet yasumatsu (Hymenoptera : Encyrtidae) I. Ovipositional Behavior for the Natural Host Ceroplastes rubens maskell (Hemiptera : Coccidae)

Abstract

Ovipositional behavior of the encyrtid parasitoid Anicetus beneficus ishii and yasumatsutoward its natural host Ceroplastes rubens maskell was observed as well as its behavior on host scales of different sizes. The parasitoid female showed distinct recognition behavior to the host scale by touching the scale covering with her antennae. The antennae of the female were observed by scanning electron microscopy and characteristic sensilla were found on the surface. These were supposed to be related to the contact chemoreception. After the host recognition behavior, the parasitoid female inserted her ovipositor above the anal tubercle of the smaller hosts and anterior to the apex of the contour of the larger hosts. The observation study was initiated to analyze the host finding and host selection mechanism of the parasitoid. © 1982, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.