Consequence of emergence pattern on inbreeding risk in the aphid parasitoid Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).

In insect parasitoids, mating strategy depends on mate availability and is influenced by the spatial and temporal emergence patterns of adults. For quasi-gregarious species, simultaneous emergence favors local mating and reduces search costs for partners while increasing the risk of inbreeding, particularly when only one female parasitizes the initial host patch. Consequently, in inbreeding sensitive species, mating on the place of adult emergence (patch mating) between siblings should be counter selected.

Antennal structure of male and female Aphidius rhopalosiphi DeStefani-Peres (Hymenoptera:Braconidae): description and morphological alterations after cold storage or heat exposure.

Several species of the genus Aphidius are used in biological control programs against aphid pests throughout the world and their behavior and physiology are well studied. But despite knowing the importance of sensory organs in their behavior, their antennal structure has never been described. We describe here the types and distribution of antennal sensilla in Aphidius rhopalosiphi, a larval parasitoid of several aphid species and observe how this antennal structure is modified after cold storage or heat exposure.