Effects of host (Boettcherisca peregrina) copper exposure on development, reproduction and vitellogenesis of the ectoparasitic wasp, Nasonia vitripennis

Abstract

Effects of copper (Cu) accumulation by the flesh fly Boettcherisca peregrina (R.-D.) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) on the ectoparasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) were investigated experimentally by exposing host larvae to contaminated diets with final Cu concentrations of 400 +g/g and 800 +g/g diet fresh weight (DFW), respectively. Results showed that Cu can be transferred along food chains to secondary consumers (parasitoids) in small amounts, resulting in negative effects on parasitoid growth and development (body weight and developmental duration) as well as fecundity (number of offspring per female). Copper exposure also inhibited vitellogenesis of parasitoids from Cu-contaminated host pupae. It is suggested that the decreased fecundity and inhibition of vitellogenesis of N. vitripennis resulted from poor host nutritional state rather than from direct effects of Cu stress.

Influence of heavy metal contamination on urban natural enemies and biological control

“…HM contaminated prey or water sources have been revealed to lengthen development time [44][45][46][47][48]. For example, when feeding on hosts contaminated with copper (Cu), Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), exhibited lengthened developmental time and reduced emergence of adult parasitoids from the pupal stage [45]. The adult wasps also had a shortened adult life span and females exhibited reduced fecundity [45].…”

“…For example, when feeding on hosts contaminated with copper (Cu), Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), exhibited lengthened developmental time and reduced emergence of adult parasitoids from the pupal stage [45]. The adult wasps also had a shortened adult life span and females exhibited reduced fecundity [45]. Interestingly, exposure to HMs results in reduced body mass in some predators [48] and greater body mass in others [49].…”

High‐nickel insects and nickel hyperaccumulator plants: A review

“…Host quality is an important feature of the prey of parasitoids and predators, and the elemental composition of hosts can affect quality (Ye et al, 2009). For example, Vickerman and Trumble (2003) showed that consumption of high-Se herbivore prey negatively affected the predacious bug Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).…”

“…'' Because hyperaccumulation in plants has been suggested to constitute an elemental defense against herbivores (Martens & Boyd, 1994;Boyd, 2007b), it is natural to ask if elemental defense extends to organisms occupying other trophic levels (Boyd, 1998a). Host quality is an important feature of the prey of parasitoids and predators, and the elemental composition of hosts can affect quality (Ye et al, 2009). For example, Vickerman and Trumble (2003) showed that consumption of high-Se herbivore prey negatively affected the predacious bug Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae).…”

Preface

“…The contribution of Ye et al (2009) shows transmission of Cu from insect host to parasitoid wasp and presents evidence that the negative impact of host Cu on the wasp stems from decreased host quality rather than effects of Cu stress per se. My contributions stem from my interest in Ni hyperaccumulator plants (which as their name implies contain unusually large concentrations of Ni) and the insects that feed on them.…”