Polypeptides of Acrolepiopsis assectella cocoon (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea): an external host-acceptance kairomone for the parasitoid Diadromus pulchellus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae).

Contact kairomones are essential for host-acceptance behaviour by female parasitoids. In the solitary endoparasitoid wasp, Diadromus pulchellus, this behaviour depends mainly on compound(s) in the cocoon of their host, Acrolepiopsis assectella pupae. Extracts of empty cocoons and polypeptides extracted from cocoons were tested in acceptance behaviour assays using cotton fibre lures bearing extracts.

Comparison of walking locomotory reactions of two forms ofCallosobruchus maculatus males subjected to female sex pheromone stimulation (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

A comparison of the walking locomotory reactions of flightless and flight formCallosobruchus maculatus males when subjected to an air current scented with female sex pheromone was undertaken in a tubular olfactometer. The pheromone was delivered to the males either as short pulses or as a continuous flow. To analyze the males' reactions, three behavioral sequences were defined (sequence 1: male sensitivity/arousal; sequence 2: male reactivity; sequence 3; male progression and source location).

To penetrate or not to penetrate? A behavioral choice by bean beetle first-instar larvae in response toPhaseolus vulgaris seed surface quality.

Survival ofAcanthoscelides obtectus larvae depends on the ability of the first instar to pierce the seed coat ofPhaseolus vulgaris, which represents a critical sequence because of physical characteristics and toxicity. We have investigated the influence of seed surface quality on larval boring behavior by the usual method of surface washing with different solvents, or by removing the testa, or by coating the testa with a polymer spray. Observations were made on isolated larvae in no-choice and dual-choice bioassays.