Host population density and presence of predators as key factors influencing the number of gregarious parasitoid Anaphes flavipes offspring.

ABSTRACT: The number of parasitoids developed per host is one of the major factors that influences future adult body size and reproductive success. Here, we examined four external factors (host species, heritability, host population density, and presence of predators) that can affect the number of the gregarious parasitoid Anaphes flavipes (Förster, 1841) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) wasps developing in one host. The effect of host population density on the number of parasitoid offspring developed per host was confirmed, and for the first time, we also showed that the number of offspring per host is influenced by the presence of predators. Low host density and presence of predators increases the number of wasps developed in one host egg. However, a higher number of A. flavipes in one host reduces A. fla

SUBMITTER: Samkova A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6465251 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature