Foraging behavior of Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) on three aphid species [Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora and Rhopalosiphum maidis] (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract

The acceptance and suitability of three aphid species [Aphis gossypii Glover, Aphis craccivora and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch)] (Homoptera: Aphididae) for the parasitoid Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) were studied and evaluated. Parasitoid female parasitized fewer R. maidis than the other two aphid species. Also, fewer offspring successfully completed development in R. maidis than in the other two host species, suggesting that R. maidis is a poor quality host for the mentioned parasitoid. No significant differences in sex ratios of emerging parasitoid adults between A. colemani reared on the three aphid species. Ovipositing A. colemani encountered R. maidis at a slower rate, also, parasitoid offspring died at a higher rate in R. maidis compared to A. gossypii. The results showed that oviposition behavior and offspring performance were correlated. The results of this research can be used for establishing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies against aphid species.