Seasonal cues mediate host behaviour modification and cocoon polymorphism in Microplitis mediator (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
2013
Luo, S.P., China Agricultural Univ., Beijing (China). Dept. of Entomology | Michaud, J.P., Kansas State Univ., Hays (USA). Dept. of Entomology | Li J.C., Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Baoding (China). Inst. of Plant Protection | Zhang, J., China Agricultural Univ., Beijing (China). Dept. of Entomology | Liu, X.X., China Agricultural Univ., Beijing (China). Dept. of Entomology | Zhang. Q.W., China Agricultural Univ., Beijing (China). Dept. of Entomology
Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of photoperiod and temperature on the pupation behaviour of the parasitoid, Microplitis mediator, parasitizing larvae of Mythimna separata. A combination of long photoperiod (14 + h L) and warm temperatures (20_24 deg C) caused parasitized caterpillars to climb to upper plant parts where the parasitoid produced a green, non-diapausing cocoon on a green leaf, initially retaining the dying caterpillar host as a protective covering. In contrast, short photoperiod (8-10 h L) and low temperature (16-18 deg C) induced host caterpillars to descend the plant where the parasitoid produced a brown, diapausing cocoon either hanging by silk from a senescing leaf or simply lying on the soil, but without any continued association with the host. These findings illustrate the potential for seasonal environmental cues to simultaneously mediate diapause induction, cocoon polymorphism, and alternate forms of host behaviour modification in a hymenopterous parasitoid.
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