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González, J. M. & J. B. Terán

 

DISPERSION, BUSQUEDA Y ACCESO AL HOSPEDADOR POR Melittobia acasta (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)

 

[DISPERSION, SEARCHING AND ACCESS TO HOSTS BY Melittobia acasta (HYMENOPTERA: EULOPHIDAE)]

 

Boletín del Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas L.U.Z.  2001.  35(1): 52 - 64.

 

Abstract: The dispersion of macropterous (type) females of Melittobia acasta (Walker) is absolutely random according to experimental bioassay, even when in the proximity of a host it is possibly influenced by visual or olfactory cues.  Even though high boring-digging potential in order to pierce host nests as well as female cooperation in this process were observed, females normally invade host nests while they are being stocked.

 

Melittobia Species Mentioned: Melittobia acasta

 

Comments: To try to determine if dispersion is random or not, an assay using concentric circles and quadrants was developed and it is described herein. Another experiment using old host nests, some empty and some "refilled" with hosts, was also developed and is described.  Tables show distribution of insects in the "circles and quadrants" assay and attraction to nests with or without hosts.

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