Effect of continuous rearing on courtship acoustics of five braconid parasitoids, candidates for augmentative biological control of Anastrepha species

Abstract

The courtship acoustics of five species of parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), potential candidates for augmentative biological control of Anastrepha (Schiner) species (Diptera: Tephritidae), were compared between recently colonized individuals and those continuously reared 70-148 generations. During courtship, males of these parasitoid species fan their wings and produce a series of low amplitude pulses. The first series of 15 or more continuous courtship pulses was used to measure the pulse duration, frequency, and interpulse interval (IPI) from the beginning, middle, and end of the pulse series. Each parameter was compared between young and old colonies, and among species. Several differences in courtship acoustics were detected in colonies that had been continuously reared. The pulse duration at the end of the pulse series was longer in old colonies for Doryctobracon crawfordi (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), but shorter for old colonies of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). The IPI of the middle pulse was shorter in old colonies of Opius hirtus (Fischer) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and was also shorter at the last pulse for old colonies of both Utetes anastrephae (Viereck) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and D. longicaudata. The duration of the middle pulse distinguished the three native species, and separated the two introduced species from each other. We discuss our findings in light of their biological and applied implications, particularly those dealing with quality control of massreared parasitoids.

Courtship and mating behaviour in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): the role of wing fanning

“…In accordance with previous studies (Joyce et al 2010), for each specimen three components of the first series of 15 or more consecutive pulses were used to characterise male fanning behaviour, during courtship and copulation attempts: the second pulse from the beginning of the series, the middle pulse of the series, and the second to the last pulse at the end of the series. When there was an even number of pulses in the series, the middle pulse was calculated using the formula [(total pulses/2) ?…”

“…Among the parasitic Hymenoptera, wing fanning during courtship and copulation is frequently displayed by males of different species as a universal component of courtship (Gordh and DeBach 1978) and is considered one of the most significant key courtship parameters (Bourdais and Hance 2009). It is described as a long series of pulses, repeated numerous times, and caused by rapid dorsoventral wing movements that generate species-specific communication patterns (Sivinski and Webb 1989;Danci et al 2010;Joyce et al 2010). This movement mediates the orientation of males to females in ichneumonids (Vinson 1972), induces sexual receptivity in pteromalid (Miller and Tsao 1974) and braconid females, (Field and Keller 1993), and enhances female activity in braconids (Sivinski and Webb 1989).…”

“…This movement mediates the orientation of males to females in ichneumonids (Vinson 1972), induces sexual receptivity in pteromalid (Miller and Tsao 1974) and braconid females, (Field and Keller 1993), and enhances female activity in braconids (Sivinski and Webb 1989). Furthermore, among Braconidae wing fanning plays many roles during courtship: it contributes to communication (De Freitas et al 2004;McClure et al 2007;Danci et al 2010;Joyce et al 2010), it affects female receptivity (Field and Keller 1993;Kimani and Overholt 1995) and it facilitates male orientation towards females (Vinson 1972). During copulation attempts, wing vibrations may serve as a further courtship (to acquiesce the female) or to maintain the male's balance while he positions himself to intromit, following much the same behaviour as in flies (Zapien et al 1983;Briceño et al 1996).…”

“…Recently, P. concolor has been released in Californian olive-groves as part of classical biological programmes to control olive fruit fly Wang et al 2010). Studies of the mating behaviour in related species of Braconidae have added to our understanding of courtship displays, and the temporal patterning of behaviour and communication with chemical and physical signals (Rungrojwanich and Walter 2000;Danci et al 2010;Joyce et al 2010). To date, there is little information on the courtship and mating behaviour of P. concolor, nor is much known with regard to the significance of wing fanning in this parasitoid species.…”

Do acoustic cues mediate host finding by Syngaster lepidus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)?

“…Feeding Phoracantha larvae produce audible sounds and vibrations due to the rasping of their mandibles on the substrate as they feed , and these acoustic signals could be exploited by searching wasps and used for host location or acceptance. Understanding whether parasitoids detect host produced sounds and vibrations, as well as how they transmit through natural and artificial rearing substrates, could improve mass rearing of these wasps for augmentative biological control programs (Joyce et al 2008;Joyce et al 2010).…”