ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Parasitic wasp
;
dispersal
;
semiochemical
;
escape behaviour
;
reproductive success
;
pheromone
;
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Females of the parasitic waspAphidius uzbekistanicus, a specialist aphid primary parasitoid, react to the presence of their specialist hyperparasitoid enemyAlloxysta victrix by leaving the area. The wasps leave to increase their reproductive success, because only their offspring, but not the wasps themselves, are threatened by enemy attack. Furthermore, this dispersal is elicited through the action of volatile chemical cues produced by the hyperparasitoids. We provide evidence for 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one being one of the volatiles eliciting dispersal. The tendency of the wasps to leave areas which are being colonized by their enemies reduces their efficiency as aphid antagonists.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01984961
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