Vibratory stimuli in host location by parasitic wasps

Parasitic wasps use a broad spectrum of different stimuli for host location and host acceptance. Here we review the published evidence for the use of mechanical stimuli, i.e. substrate born vibrations which are invariably regarded as vibrotaxis. We propose a set of criteria to class behavioural reac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Insect Physiology 1999-11, Vol.45 (11), p.967-971
Main Authors: Meyhöfer, R, Casas, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Experimental design
Host location
Hymenoptera
Parasitoid
Vibrokinesis
Vibrotaxis
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Summary:Parasitic wasps use a broad spectrum of different stimuli for host location and host acceptance. Here we review the published evidence for the use of mechanical stimuli, i.e. substrate born vibrations which are invariably regarded as vibrotaxis. We propose a set of criteria to class behavioural reactions as vibrotaxis or vibrokinesis and characterize 14 studies reporting the use of host-associated vibrations by parasitoids. The studies are compared concerning (i) experimental design; (ii) characterisation of vibrational signals; and (iii) progress of the parasitoid towards the host. The recent experimental development based on new measurement techniques shows the growing body of evidence that host-associated vibrations are exploited by parasitic wasps. Nevertheless a definite proof for vibrotaxis is still lacking. To assess the exact mechanisms by which parasitoids use vibrations bioassays comparing reactions to natural and artificially generated signals are needed. Vibrotaxis as well as vibrokinesis are both helpful host location strategies for parasitoids foraging in a multimodal environment. At the community level they may lead to niche differentiation.
ISSN:0022-1910
1879-1611
DOI:10.1016/S0022-1910(99)00060-8