POPULATION-DYNAMICS OF TELENOMUS-FARIAI (HYMENOPTERA, SCELIONIDAE), A PARASITE OF CHAGAS-DISEASE VECTORS .7. OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOR AND HOST DISCRIMINATION

Oviposition and post-oviposition behavior of Telenomus fariai Costa Lima, when parasitizing the eggs of Triatoma phillosoma pallidipennis Stål, is described. Like other egg parasites T. fariai marks hosts by rubbing the ovipositor against the host and transferring a water soluble pheromone (chemical nature unknown) to its surface Females that had never parasitized largely ignored the mark. Females that had parasitized generally did not oviposit on a marked host. The mark was fully effective for at least 3 days after being applied. The function of egg marking by T. fariai is discussed. © 1979, Entomological Society of Canada. All rights reserved.