Aspects of life-table studies and functional response of Lysiphlebia mirzai

The fecundity, reproductive rate, and survival of Lysiphlebia mirzai parasitising third instar nymphs of the cereal aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis were measured at six different host densities under constant laboratory conditions. The survival rate (l_x) of the female parasitoids was unaffected by host density, with an average adult life-span of 5–6 days at all densities. The age-specific fecundity rate (m_x) was host density-dependent. The value of m_x decreased rapidly from the first day of parasitisation. The number of hosts available determined the maximum possible number of mummies. At 200 hosts available per day, the average fecundity was 184.6 mummies/female; the maximum number of mummies yielded by any female was 200. The relationship between host density and the number of aphids parasitised per female was linear at 50 aphids/cage/day, but at higher host densities (100 aphids/cage/day) a significant curvilinear regression was observed. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_m) increased with increasing host density. Maximum value of r_m (0.262) was obtained at a host density of 200. The response of r_m to changes in host density and parasitoid sex ratio is shown. A typical type II functional response was observed for L. mirzai. The curve was described by a logistic curve, N_p=200/[1+exp(5.65–1.60 ln N_o)]. The search rate of the parasitoid was inverse host density-dependent. No significant variation in the sex ratio of F₁ offspring was observed at different initial host densities. Sex ratio values exceeded 0.5 at all host densities. The results evaluated the reproductive potential of L. mirzai as a promising biological control agent.     

Host size induced variation in progeny sex ratio of an aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebia mirzai

A study aimed at determining the effect of host size on the pattern of sex allocation by an aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebia mirzai Shuja-Uddin (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) was undertaken to test the validity of the following three hypotheses: (1) larger hosts will yield a greater proportion of daughters, (2) differential mortality of the sexes of the parasitoid during development is a function of host-size, and (3) daughters emerging from larger hosts are more fecund. The results suggested a propensity in the parasitoid to deposit fertilised (diploid) eggs in large hosts (third instar nymph) and unfertilised (haploid) eggs in small hosts (first and second instar nymphs). Unpreferred fourth instar nymphs and apterous aphid adults also received more haploid eggs despite being larger in size than the preferred third instar nymphs. However, the perception of host size by the mother was dependent on the extent of temporal variation in the host size distribution and on her previous experience of host size. Developmental period, longevity, mating potential, fecundity and progeny sex ratio of L. mirzai emerging from small versus large hosts indicated that the host size affected the fitness of the daughters more than that of sons. No differential mortality of the sexes during development of L. mirzai was observed in small versus large hosts. This shows that L. mirzai, while ovipositing in growing stages of the host, adjusts progeny sex ratio according to the host size and by doing so she tends to contribute maximally to progeny fitness without knowing about the future host quality.     

Host age choice for parasitism by Lysiphlebia mirzai and its effect on the development and reproduction of brown citrus aphid

The effects of host age andparasitism by Lysiphlebia mirzaiShuja-Uddin (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on the development, survivorship,reproduction, and life table parameters ofbrown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida(Kirkaldy) (Homoptera:Aphididae) were evaluated at 25 ± 1 °C, 80 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiodof 14:10 (L:D) h. The results showed that theduration from initial parasitization tomummification was independent of the aphid ageat the time of parasitization with a mean of6.0 d. Aphids parasitized at the 1st and 2ndinstar stages and 17% of those parasitized atthe 3rd instar stage failed to reach adulthood,while the rest of the aphids parasitized at the3rd and 4th instar stages and as adults reachedmaturity and produced a number of offspringthat increased with age at parasitization. Thelongevity and fecundity of parasitized aphidswere strongly correlated with the aphid age atparasitization. Aphids parasitized at the 1stand 2nd instar stages did not contribute to thepopulation growth of the aphids. The netreproductive rate (R_o) of the aphidsparasitized at the 3rd and 4th instar andadult stages were only 9, 20 and 43% of thatfor nonparasitized aphids, respectively. Hostage preference experiments involving all fiveaphid stages showed L. mirzai couldattack and parasitize all life stages of browncitrus aphid. Parasitism was highest in the2nd instar in a no-choice test, while in achoice test parasitism in the 2nd and 3rdinstars was similar. A relatively high rate ofparasitism was also observed in the 1st instarnymphs in both choice and no-choice tests. Theresults suggest that L. mirzai haspotential as a biocontrol agent of the browncitrus aphid and warrants a furtherevaluation.     

Bionomics of Alloxysta pleuralis, a cynipoid hyperparasitoid of an aphidiid parasitoid Trioxys indicus

Alloxysta pleuralis parasitizes the larvae of Trioxys indicus, a parasitoid of Aphis craccivora. Either of the sexes of this hyperparasitoid (A. pleuralis) was ready to mate shortly after emergence. During courtship the females carried the males on the top of her back for 2–3 min. Although the hyperparasitoid is obligatory, a similar, typical oviposition exploration pattern takes place on healthy aphids, however, then the eggs are laid only in parasitized aphids in the haemocoel of the larvae of the parasitoid. The life-cycle takes about a month. Superhyperparasitism was commonly observed. Adults survived for 4–13 days.

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Résumé Alloxysta pleuralis, est un endohyperparasitoïde des larves de Trioxys indicus, parasite du puceron Aphis craccivora. Les deux sexes d'A. pleuralis sont aptes à l'accouplement peu après l'émergence (10–30 min). La femelle est passive pendant la pariade. Elle porte le mâle sur son dos pendant 2 à 3 min. La copulation dure 30 sec. Bien que l'espèce soit hyperparasite obligatoire, le comportement exploratoire de ponte s'observe sur les pucerons non-parasités. Cependant les oeufs ne sont pondus qu'à l'intérieur des pucerons parasités, dans l'haemocoele des larves de troisième stade de T. indicus. Les adultes ne s'alimentent pas sur l'hôte, mais sur le miellat des pucerons. Le cycle dure environ un mois. On observe souvent du superhyperparasitisme. Les adultes vivent de 4 à 13 jours.

     

Host-acceptance behaviour of Alloxysta pleuralis, a cynipoid hyperparasitoid of an aphidiid parasitoid Trioxys indicus on aphids

Alloxysta pleuralis parasitizes the larvae of Trioxys indicus, a parasitoid of Aphis craccivora. The pattern of host-searching of A. pleuralis was random regarding the host-stage. Earlier second instar to early fourth instar larvae of T. indicus within the haemocoel of the living aphid were found susceptible for attack, however, the third instar larvae were more parasitized. The rate of oviposition was very low (8.5 eggs/h). The number of pricks into the aphid was significantly more for the aphids that contained susceptible stages of the potential host. The occurrence of superhyperparasitism was lower when the hyperparasitoids were offered a choice of all host stages than were offered no-choice.

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Résumé A. pleuralis est un hyperparasitoïde endophage de Trioxys indicus, parasitoïde d'Aphis craccivora, puceron de Cajanus cajan. Bien que les larves de T. indicus soient susceptibles d'être attaquées du début du second stade au début du quatrième stade, celles du troisième stade sont nettement préférées. L'absence de fifférence entre les fréquences de visites et de contacts avec les hôtes de différents stades a montré que le comportement de prospection de A. pleuralis s'effectue au hasard. Cependant, la fréquence des piqûres/hôte est significativement supérieure chez lez hôtes préférés, ce qui donne une indication sur le fait que A. pleuralis pique un puceron pour rechercher un hôte potentiel. Il est possible que la femelle perçoive la présence de l'hôte dans le puceron en décelant avec les récepteurs sensoiriels de sa tarière les changements physiologiques caractéristiques du puceron parasité, et qu'elle les utilise pour piquer à répétition le puceron jusqu'à ce qu'elle trouve l'hôte potentiel. Le superhyperparasitisme était relativement faible et plus fréquent dans les expériences où l'hyperparasite n'avait pas de choix.

     

Introduction,colonization and establishment ofLysiphlebus testaceipes [Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae], in Argentina

The introduction, colonization, and establishment ofLysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) for the biological control ofSchizaphis graminum (Rondani). in Argentina is briefly discussed.     

Environmental correlates of the intrinsic rate of natural increase in primates

Morphological and life history traits of two clones of the cladoceran Daphnia pulex were measured in the presence and absence of size-selective insect predators, the midge larva Chaoborus flavicans, which preys on small Daphnia, and the water bug Notonecta glauca, which preys on large Daphnia. The aim was to detect predator-induced phenotypic changes, particularly the effect of simultaneous exposure to both types of predators. Other work has shown that in the presence of Chaoborus americanus, Daphnia pulex produce a socalled neck spine which may carry several teeth. The morphological modifications are supposed to serve as an anti-predator device. Furthermore, females exposed to Chaoborus often delay their maturation; this has been interpreted as a cost that balances the benefits of the neck teeth. In this investigation, females of both clones produced fewer but larger offspring than control animals when reared in the presence of Chaoborus flavicans. The offspring showed the typical neck spine and delayed first reproduction. In the presence of Notonecta glauca, one of the clones produced more and smaller offspring, and maturation occurred at earlier instars. The other clone also produced more offspring than the control but there was no size difference. When both predators were present, in most cases the reactions of the daphnids were similar to those in the Notonecta experiment. The response to Chaoborus appeared to be suppressed. The observed modifications are interpreted as evolved strategies that reduce the impact of size-selective predation. They are consistent with predictions of life-history theory.     

Bt蛋白Vip3Aa19、Cry1Ab和Cry1Ah对玉米蚜的效应评价

[目的] 探讨转基因玉米表达的3种Bt蛋白对非靶标害虫玉米蚜的影响效应,为农田生态系统中转基因玉米的环境安全评价提供依据。[方法] 在玉米蚜全纯人工饲料中分别添加Bt蛋白Vip3Aa19、Cry1Ab和Cry1Ah饲养玉米蚜,并以PBS缓冲液或Na₂CO₃溶液为阴性对照,添加酪蛋白（casein,CS）为中性对照,添加印楝素（neem oil）为阳性对照,比较分析Bt蛋白等各处理对玉米蚜存活率、发育历期、有翅蚜率及繁殖力的影响。[结果] 低浓度印楝素（Neem-L）处理后玉米蚜半数个体生存时间（ST₅₀）为3.2~4.0 d,高浓度印楝素（Neem-H）处理后,玉米蚜在第4天全部死亡,这2个处理均没有子代若蚜产生。添加Bt蛋白和CS对玉米蚜的生存时间没有显著影响,ST₅₀在8.3~9.6 d之间。与阴性对照相比,3个Bt蛋白和CS处理的若蚜期显著短1.0~2.9 d,产出的下一代若蚜数显著增多。Vip3Aa19、Cry1Ab以及CS处理后,有翅蚜比例显著高于其阴性对照。[结论] 饲料中分别添加3种Bt蛋白Vip3Aa19、Cry1Ab和Cry1Ah对玉米蚜的存活率没有显著影响,但具有与添加CS等同提高饲料营养质量的效果;与阴性对照相比,添加3种Bt蛋白对玉米蚜的生长发育和繁殖具有显著的促进效应。     

The influence of clone and morph on the parameters of intrinsic rate of increase in the cereal aphids Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of intrinsic factors (clone, morph) on the parameters of the intrinsic rate of increase of Sitobion avenae (F.) and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.). For each species, apterous and alate exules of three clones originating from French oceanic regions were compared at 20 °C.The clonal factor had a significant effect on both time from birth until onset of reproduction (TBR) and intrinsic rate of increase (r). This effect was lower than that of the morph. Moreover, in the case of R. padi, a strong clone-morph interaction was observed.Both apterous and alate morphs were shown to have a higher rate of increase in R. padi than in S. avenae.Various models were fitted to aphid daily rate of reproduction. Both types of model and quality of fit depended mainly on the morph.

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Résumé Cette étude a eu pour but d'évaluer l'importance de facteurs intrinsèques (clone et morphe) sur les paramètres du taux d'accroissement de Sitobion avenae (F.) et Rhopalosiphum padi (L.).Pour chaque espèce, trois clones originaires de régions océaniques françaises ont été comparés à 20 °C pour les morphes exules ailés et exules aptères.L'effet du clone est significatif sur l'âge reproducteur (durée comprise entre la naissance du puceron et le début de sa phase de reproduction) et sur le taux intrinsèque d'accroissement naturel. Il est plus faible que celui du morphe avec lequel il intéragit dans le cas de R. padi.Les différences interspécifiques relevées mettent en évidence les capacités d'accroissement supérieures de R. padi par rapport à celles de S. avenae, dans le cas des ailés comme dans celui des aptères.Enfin, différents modèles ont été appliqués aux données de reproduction journalière des pucerons. Le type et la qualité des ajustements varient essentiellement en fonction du morphe.

     

The influence of prior ovipositional experience on host selection in four species of aphidiid wasps (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae)

We evaluated the influence of prior ovipositional experience on host selection in four solitary parasitoids, Aphidius erviHaliday, A. pisivorusSmith, A. smithiSharma & Subba Rao, and Praon pequodorumViereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae). When provided simultaneously with equal numbers of two species of aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum(Harris) and Macrosiphum creeliiDavis (Homoptera: Aphididae), all four parasitoids showed a moderate to strong preference for A. pisum.This preference did not increase after sampling, except in P. pequodorum.Learning did not alter host selection behavior in A. erviand P. pequodorum.However, females of A. pisivorusconditioned on A. pisumselected fewer M. creeliithan unconditioned wasps and wasps conditioned on M. creelii.It is suggested that prior ovipositional experience influences a parasitoid's expectations of the kinds of hosts available, but it does not alter the (innate) rank order of hosts.     

Fecundity, reproductive effort, age-specific reproductive tactics and intrinsic rate of natural increase of a High Arctic nematode belonging to the genus Chiloplacus

The reproduction of an undescribed species of the genus Chiloplacus from the Canadian High Arctic was studied at 10°C. The mean number of eggs laid per female was 317.8±89.2, of which 46.8±7.8% hatched, resulting in net reproduction of 148.8 juveniles per female. Beginning as new-laid eggs the observed maximum age attained was 99 d, and the calculated generation time was 52.6 d. Egg-laying began 26 d after hatching and the reproductive period spanned 56 d. The intrinsic rate of increase was 0.095, and the first 12 reproductive days contributed 80.587% of the value of r. When r = 0.095 the stable age distribution was calculated to be 91.5% immatures and 8.5% adults. Chiloplacus sp. is intermediate in fecundity for free-living soil nematodes. lying between the generally highly fecund Rhabditidae on the one hand, and the much less fecund Dorylaimidae on the other. Chiloplacus sp. lays a larger portion of its eggs early in the reproductive period at 10°C than do species from warmer environments, suggesting that reproduction of Chiloplacus sp. is low-temperature compensated.     

Sublethal effects of insecticides on the intrinsic rate of increase of cotton aphid

Insecticides are often implicated in causing outbreaks of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Homoptera: Aphididae), through stimulation of reproduction. In this study we report the sublethal effects of dosages of bifenthrin, acephate, carbofuran or pyriproxifen on cotton aphid reproduction. We could not detect any increase or decrease in the intrinsic rate of increase of cotton aphids exposed to bifenthrin, acephate or carbofuran. However, we did detect some increases in the net reproductive rate of aphids treated with bifenthrin justifying further investigation of the effect on reproduction by this insecticide. Trends based on simple linear regression models suggest that sublethal dosages of bifenthrin or carbofuran have a negative impact on aphid population growth as dosages increase. These data suggest that stimulation of reproduction by these insecticides probably does not play a major role in cotton aphid outbreaks or resurgence. Pyriproxyfen is a juvenoid currently used for control of whiteflies in cotton. It demonstrated significant activity towards cotton aphid reared on treated cotton in our bioassays. Pyriproxyfen caused sterility in most aphids exposed to dosages exceeding 1 ppm, and reduced aphid longevity by approximately 50%. However, it did not appear to greatly influence the reproductive potential or longevity of reproductively mature aphids. A field study indicates that pyriproxyfen affects cotton aphid population structure and may have potential in managing cotton aphid outbreaks. Modifying aphid population structure and growth through the use of juvenoids such as pyriproxifen may prove to be an effective proactive approach to pest control without adversely impacting beneficial organisms or causing pest resurgence.     

Diapause termination and egg hatch in the bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi

Conclusion TastePROBE is a convenient and flexible electronic circuit designed to record action potentials from taste sensilla of insects. It facilitates the recording of slow potentials arising in taste sensilla, improves the signal to noise ratio, and preserves spike shapes. This new amplifier design combines excellent signal to noise ratio with complete compatibility as regards existing electrophysiological equipment.DC recordings have higher information content than filtered recordings. With DC recordings, spike shapes are not modified and thus better sorting is possible. Moreover, slow variations in the transepithelial potential (i.e. less than 10 Hz) are preserved. Both aspects are of considerable importance when studying the physiology of taste receptors.     

Changes in host acceptance and host suitability as an effect of rearing Trichogramma maidis on a factitious host

Host acceptance and suitability of Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. for Trichogramma maidis Pint. et Voeg. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were studied, after rearing the parasitoids on O. nubilalis or Ephestia kuehniella Oliv. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) for various numbers of generations. In cages, containing two maize plants with in total 30 egg masses of the natural host (O. nubilalis), wasps continuously reared on either E. kuehniella or O. nubilalis found egg masses in equal proportions. The former however, did not parasitize the eggs successfully, due to either low degree of host acceptance or insufficient host suitability or both. Subsequently, host acceptance behaviour of individual females from different strains was studied by means of direct observations after releasing them into a small arena containing eggs of O. nubilalis or E. kuehniella. Wasps continuously reared on O. nubilalis or 1–3 generations on E. kuehniella accepted egg masses of the natural host better than wasps continuously reared on E. kuehniella. Acceptance of O. nubilalis by the wasps gradually decreased with increasing numbers of generations reared on E. kuehniella. By rearing T. maidis, previously cultured on E. kuehniella, for five generations on O. nubilalis, acceptance of egg masses of this host species did not change. Host suitability of O. nubilalis appears to correspond with host acceptance of the strains. Contrary to the observations on O. nubilalis, acceptance and suitability of E. kuehniella were not influenced by the host on which T. maidis was reared. Results of this study show that host acceptance and suitability of the natural host are important quality factors for T. maidis when mass produced on a factitious host.

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Zusammenfassung Wirtsakzeptanz und Wirtseignung von Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. für den Eiparasitoiden, Trichogramma maidis Pint. et. Voeg., wurden untersucht nach der Zucht auf dem natürlichen Wirt, O. nubilalis, oder auf dem Ersatzwirt, der Mehlmotte, Ephestia kühniella Zell.. Versuche mit Käfigen, in denen je zwei Maispflanzen mit insgesamt 30 Eigelegen von O. nubilalis und 40 Weibchen von T. maidis eingesperrt waren, zeigten, dass Weibchen, die seit über 150 Generationen auf O. nubilalis bzw. E. kühniella gezüchtet worden waren, die Eigelege gleich gut fanden. Während die auf O. nubilalis gezüchteten Parasitoide die Eigelege zu 80% parasitierten, war die Parasitierungsrate der auf E. kühniella gezüchteten Parasitoide gleich Null. Die Ursachen dieses Phänomens wurden in weiteren Versuchen durch direkte Beobachtungen über Wirtsakzeptanz und Wirtseignung untersucht. Einzelne Weibchen von Stämmen, die nur auf O. nubilalis oder während einer zunehmenden Generationenzahl auf E. kühniella gezüchtet worden waren, untersuchte man während 15 Minuten unter der Stereoskoplupe in einer kleinen Arena, die ein Eigelege des Maiszünslers oder Eier der Mehlmotte enthielt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass Wespen, die ausschliesslich auf Maiszünslereiern oder nur 1–3 Generationen auf Mehlmotteneiern gezüchtet worden waren, die Eigelege von O. nubilalis besser akzeptierten als solche, die seit vielen Generationen auf E. kühniella vermehrt worden waren. Die Wirtsakzeptanz verschlechterte sich mit zunehmender Generationenzahl auf E. kühniella. Wenn T. maidis nach 23 Generationen auf E. kühniella wieder während 5 Generationen auf O. nubilalis gezüchtet wurde, verbesserte sich die Akzeptanz der Eigelege von O. nubilalis nicht. Die Wirtseignung der Eigelege von O. nubilalis, stimmt überein mit der Wirtsakzeptanz der verschiedenen Stämme. Dies ergaben Versuche mit 15 Minuten Direktbeobachtung und bei 24 Stunden Expositionszeit. Im Gegensatz zu den Beobachtungen auf Eigelegen von O. nubilalis wurde die Akzeptanz und Eignung der Eier von E. kühniella durch die Zucht auf verschiedenen Wirten nicht beeinflusst. Das Ergebnis dieser Untersuchung zeigt, dass Akzeptanz und Eignung des natürlichen Wirtes wichtige Qualitätsfaktoren für T. maidis in der Massenzucht auf Ersatzwirten sind.

     

Kairomonal effect of an aphid cornicle secretion onLysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae).

In laboratory bioassays, whole-body homogenates and fresh cornicle wax of Rhopalosiphum padi(L.) (the bird-cherry oat aphid) elicited antennal examination and attack behavior in naive females of the polyphagous aphidiid parasitoid, Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson). No such response was elicited by either homogenates or cornicle wax of Aphis nerii(Boyer de Fonscolombe) (another known host of the parasitoid) or by preparations of the aphid alarm pheromone, (E)--farnesene. The response to R. padiproducts was independent of rearing host and appears to be innate. Application of R. padicornicle wax to the dorsum of a nonhost aphid [Acythosiphum pisum(Harris)] increased the frequency with which this species was attacked by L. testaceipes.There was a tendency for the kairomonal activity of the cornicle secretion to decline as the wax dried, although parasitoid attack behavior was still elicited by wax which had been allowed to dry for up to 30 min before testing.     

Influence of Experience on the Response of Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a Nonaphidophagous Parasitoid, to Aphid Odor

Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson) is an introduced natural enemy of the alfalfa weevil in North America. The wasp requires carbohydrate foods as an adult. Adult wasps have increased longevity and fecundity when provided access to pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), honeydew in the laboratory, and adults respond positively to the presence of pea aphids in alfalfa fields. However, it is unknown how these wasps find aphid honeydew in the field. In a series of Y-tube olfactometer experiments, we evaluated the response of naïve and experienced adult female B. curculionis to odors from pea aphids, alfalfa, and pea aphids on alfalfa. Naïve adult females did not respond positively to pea aphid odor even when hungry. But adult females were able to learn aphid odor, and the mechanism of learning appears to be associative rather than by sensitization. Naïve females also showed no preference for alfalfa odor but learned alfalfa odor through sensitization. The wasps did not distinguish between alfalfa with aphids and alfalfa without aphids, even after exposure to aphids or alfalfa with aphids. However, they preferred pea aphid odor to alfalfa odor after a feeding experience in the presence of pea aphid odors. But after exposure to mixed odors of aphids and alfalfa while feeding, B. curculionis females preferred the odor of alfalfa to the odor of pea aphids. These results suggest that alfalfa odors mask or override aphid odors when aphids are associated with alfalfa (as happens naturally), thus interfering with the wasp's ability to respond to learned aphid odors. Therefore, although the wasps are capable of learning to find pea aphids and their honeydew in a simplified laboratory setting, it appears unlikely that they do so in the field.     

不同玉米品种(系)对玉米蚜生长发育和种群增长的影响

玉米蚜Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch)是为害玉米的重要害虫.为评价不同玉米品种(系)对玉米蚜生长发育的适合性,从而为抗性品种(系)的鉴定及其抗性机制分析提供依据,在室内条件下,组建了玉米蚜实验种群在8个玉米品种(系)上的特定时间生命表.结果表明:玉米蚜1龄若虫在供试的4个玉米品种郑单958、浚单20、先玉335和良玉88上的发育历期长于供试的4个自交系87-1、濮改340-1-1、旱21和齐319,其中良玉88和先玉335与4个自交系之间差异显著;成蚜寿命和世代历期在4个自交系上较长;4个供试玉米品种上各虫龄的存活率显著小于4个自交系;成蚜产蚜量在各品种(系)间也存在显著差异,以取食齐319品系时最大,平均产蚜量64.4头,其次是濮改340-1-1,为56.53头,以取食浚单20时最小,只有19.93头.生命表参数表明,玉米蚜在供试的玉米品种(系)上均能繁殖,但与4个玉米自交系相比,玉米蚜在4个玉米品种上的种群净增殖率R0、内禀增长率rm和周限增长率λ均减小或显著减小,而平均世代周期和种群加倍时间则延长,说明供试的4个玉米品种对玉米蚜生长发育和繁殖均有不利影响.     

The intrinsic rate of natural increase and reproductive effort in primates

The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_max) is calculated for 58 primate species. It is found that this parameter is negatively correlated with body weight, so that larger primate species consistently have a lower r_max than do smaller species. Although there is no apparent link between the raw value of r_max and environmental predictability, a relationship between a high r_max, relative to body weight, and an unpredictable environment is found to exist. However, there is no relationship between a predictable environment and either the raw value of r_max, or the relative r_max. After body size effects are removed, r_max is not correlated with basal metabolic rate (BMR). Pre-natal maternal investment (MI) is found to correlate highly with BMR, even after the removal of body weight effects. MI does not correlate either with r_max or with environmental predictability. Diet appears to have little influence either on r_max on MI, but there is some indication that folivores have both a high relative r_max and a high relative MI. These results are discussed in the light of theories of life-history strategy evolution.     

Effect of temperature on development rate and intrinsic rate of increase ofAphis gossypii reared on greenhouse cucumbers

Thermal requirements for development and life table statistics ofAphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera, Aphididae) were determined over a range of constant temperatures from 10 to 30°C. The lower development threshold and the sum of effective temperatures were 6.9°C and 90.1°C, respectively, for preimaginal development, and 5.8°C and 113.6°C from birth to the onset of reproduction. Mean total fecundity ranged from 36 larvae per female at 10°C to 76 larvae at 30°C. On a time scale of days, net reproductive rate (R _o ) increased with increasing temperature while generation time (T) decreased causing the intrinsic rate of increase (r _m ) to increase linearly from 0.115 to 0.465. On a day-degree scaler _m only varied from 0.019 to 0.028 because the growth ofR _o was compensated by an increase inT with increase in temperature. The nearly constantr _m in terms of day-degrees, over a wide range of temperatures, greatly simplifies the prediction of future population numbers ofA. gossypii.     

Variation in selected life-history parameters of the parasitoid wasp,Aphidius ervi: Influence of host developmental stage

We determined the age-specific fecundity and survival of the solitary parasstoid wasp,Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), under constant laboratory conditions. Wasps were reared in each of the four nymphal instars of apterous pea aphids,Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Homoptera: Aphididae): L₁ (age 24h), L₂ (48 h), L₃ (72 h), and L₄ (120 h). Age-specific survival (l_x) and fecundity (m_x) differed between parasitoids developing in different aphid instars. The wasps’ life-time reproductive success, as indexed by the intrinsic rate of population increase (r_m), varied non-linearly with adult biomass and host size at parasitization. A close agreement between larval growth rates in different host instars and adult reproductive performance suggests that, inA. ervi, fitness correlates may be significantly influenced by larval ontogeny and trade-offs in resource allocation.