Host location by vibrational interactions in the ecto-parasitoid Sclerodermus cereicollis (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)
Author(s)
Lorenzo Austeri
Date Issued
2024
Type
conferenceObject
Abstract
Sclerodermus cereicollis (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is an
ectoparasitoid of xylophagous beetles, mainly belonging to the
families Ptinidae and Cerambicidae. Bethylid species are often useful
in biological control programs of various pests and it has been proved
that these insects use chemical signals to locate their host. Often,
alongside the olfaction, insects also use visual and mechanical cues in
host searching behavior. For this reason, in our work we investigated
the role of vibrational signals in the host location process of S.
cereicollis. For the tests were used xylophagous larvae of Hylotrupes
bajulus (Coleoptera: Cerambicidae), which during their trophic
activity produce vibrations that could be perceived by the parasitoid.
The larvae of H. bajulus were kept inside wooden blocks (Pinus
sylvestris) (25 x 50 x 15 mm). For behavioral bioassays, two wood
blocks, one with and one without larva, were placed in a circular arena
divided into four quadrants and the larval vibrations were recorded
using high sensitivity vibrometer (VibroGo®). Mated female of S.
cereicollis (naive), were released on a slide of fine net posed on the
circular arena and their tracking were recorded using a digital camera
(Koppace KP-2100-AMA050, China) for 10 minutes. Based on the
preliminary observations, it appears that S. cereicollis adults spend
more time in the quadrant where the wooden block is infested by
cerambycid larva. These results support the hypothesis for which S.
Summer School – Perugia, 6-7 June 2024
cereicollis is attracted to the host’s vibrations cues, but further
investigation will be needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Conference(s)
Summer School 2024