Semiochemical Exploitation of Host-Associated Cues by Seven Melittobia Parasitoid Species: Behavioral and Phylogenetic Implications

Abstract

Chemical compounds (infochemicals or semiochemicals) play an important role both in intra-specific and inter-specific communication. For example, chemical cues appear to play a key role in the host selection process adopted by insect parasitoids. In recent years significant advances have been made in order to understand the chemical ecology of insect parasitoids. However, little information is available about the evolution of semiochemical use in the host location process of insect parasitoids. Here we investigated the strategy adopted by seven closely related parasitoid species in the genus Melittobia when foraging for four different suitable hosts. By using an integrated approach that combined olfactometer bioassays and phylogenetic investigations, we found that: (1) exploitation of host-derived semiochemicals is widespread in the Melittobia genus; (2) there is specificity of attraction toward the different host species tested; in particular, the early-branching species in the Melittobia genus are attracted to odors associated with leaf cutting bees (Megachile rotundata) whereas the most-diverged species are attracted to odors associated with solitary mud dauber wasps (Trypoxyilon politum). Regardless of the phylogenetic relationships, no Melittobia species exhibited attraction toward odors of factitious laboratory hosts (i.e., the flesh fly Sarcophaga bullata). Interestingly, five Melittobia species are also attracted by odors associated with honeybees hosts which indicate that these parasitoids could be potential pests of honeybees. Our study shed light on the host location within the Melittobia genus and represents a first attempt to understand semiochemical use in an evolutionary perspective in the context of parasitoids' foraging behavior.

Kairomones effect on parasitic activity of Trichogramma japonicum against rice yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas

“…The significance of discriminating between female hosts cues from male host cues is important for egg versus body parasitoids (González et al, 2018; Salerno, Conti, Peri, Colazza, & Bin, 2006). Studies have determined many of the sources and types of chemical volatiles which differ among these two parasitoid evolutionary strategies and on specific interactions with parasitoids in host searching (see reviews; Bertoldi et al, 2019; González et al, 2018; Murali Baskaran, Senthil‐Nathan et al, 2018; Murali‐Baskaran, Sharma et al, 2018; Parthiban et al, 2016; Peri et al, 2016; Tang et al, 2017). Of the seven chemicals detected from adult host bodies of YSB, docosane, tetracosane, pentacosane and eicosane enhanced host egg parasitism by T. japonicum , while pentadecane, hexadecane and nonadecane deterred oviposition (Rani et al, 2007).…”

“…Parasitoids exploit long‐distance and short‐distance host‐associated cues (Bertoldi, Rondoni, Brodeur, & Conti, 2019; Iacovone et al, 2016; Turlings, Wackers, Vet, Lewis, & Tumlinson, 1993). Herbivore host‐induced plant volatiles are detected as long‐distance cues by parasitoids and predators (Colazza et al, 2014; González, Camino, Simon, & Cusumano, 2018; Murali Baskaran, Senthil‐Nathan, Mankin, & Suresh, 2018; Vinson, 1976). Short‐distance cues include oviposition‐induced plant volatiles, egg volatiles or signals left by gravid females, like frass and/or scales (Bertoldi et al, 2019; Fatouros, Dicke, Mumm, Meiners, & Hilker, 2008).…”

“…Various by‐products of lepidopteran insects like female wing scales, egg wash rinsate, foot prints (i.e. tarsal contact on a surface) and saliva of larva acted as kairomones to attract egg parasitoids like trichogrammatids and scelionids (Afsheen, Wang, Li, Zhu, & Lou, 2008; González, Cusumano, Williams, Colazza, & Vinson, 2011; González et al, 2018; Iacovone et al, 2016; Murali‐Baskaran, Sharma et al, 2018). High quantities of 9,12,15 octadecatrienoic acid and 9‐octadecenal, emitted from YSB damaged rice plants, may play a pivotal role in attracting T. chilonis and in stimulating oviposition (Rani & Kurra, 2012; Srivastava et al, 2017) while hexadecane, heptadecane and pentadecane were reported to attract parasitoids like T. japonicum (Bhagat & Bakthavatsalam, 2012).…”

Pre‐release packing and chilling reduce host‐searching ability of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata used in the augmentative control of tephritid flies

“…In the progressive reduction of the search area, the female parasitoid predominantly uses volatile cues (semiochemicals) which are emitted by the host in association with the substrate (fruit, leaves, stems, etc.) on which it develops (Turlings et al, 1993; Peri et al, 2006; González et al, 2018). In the relationship between D. longicaudata and Anastrepha , the para‐ethylacetophenone is emitted as a result of larval feeding activity, which is used by the parasitoid as a very important short‐distance cue (Stuhl et al, 2011).…”

Impact of volatile cues on foraging response of egg larval parasitoid, Chelonus blackburni Cameron

“…To resolve this problem, in recent decades, application of plant and host insect emitted volatile cues has emerged as a novel approach in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs Ahmad et al (2004). These volatile cues act as attractant or repellent for natural enemies and are helpful in increasing efficiency of parasitoids (González et al, 2018;Sarkar et al, 2005;Meiners et. al., 2003).…”