Variable temperatures across different stages have novel effects on behavioral response and population viability in a host-feeding parasitoid.

ABSTRACT: Parasitoids are insects (usually wasps or flies) that lay eggs within or on other insects (their hosts). Host-feeding parasitoids lay eggs to parasitize the host and feed directly on the host for nourishment. Temperature is the most critical factor affecting insect behavioral responses. Few studies have focused on the impacts of variable temperatures across different life stages on the behaviors of host-feeding parasitoids. This study investigated the effects of temperature experienced during the preadult and adult stages on the life history traits and life table parameters of females of a host-feeding parasitoid, Eretmocerus hayati. Our results show that the temperatures experienced during the preadult and adult stages significantly change life history traits (immature development, adult

SUBMITTER: Zhang YB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6379379 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature