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      Nectary use for gaining access to an ant host by the parasitoid Orasema simulatrix (Hymenoptera, Eucharitidae)

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      Journal of Hymenoptera Research
      Pensoft Publishers

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          Abstract

          Eucharitidae is the only family of insects known to specialize as parasitoids of ant brood. Eggs are laid away from the host onto or in plant tissue, and the minute first-instars (planidia) are responsible for gaining access to the host through some form of phoretic attachment to the host ant or possibly through an intermediate host such as thrips. Orasema simulatrix (Eucharitidae: Oraseminae) are shown to deposit their eggs into incisions made on leaves of Chilopsis linearis (Bignoniaceae) in association with extrafloral nectaries (EFN). Nectary condition varies from fluid-filled on the newest leaves, to wet or dry nectaries on older leaves. Filled nectaries were about one third as common as dry nectaries, but were three times as likely to have recent oviposition. Larger numbers of undeveloped eggs, or eggs with mature planidia inside, were associated with filled and wet EFN. For emerged planidia, the distribution was shifted from a concentration at filled nectaries to an even greater concentration at wet nectaries. More planidia were found in EFN (9.50 ±2.85) than outside EFN (1.00 ± 0.60). Planidia were tested for their attachment to adult and larval ants and to adult and immature thrips (potential intermediate host), but the results do not support simple attachment as a viable means for transfer and successful parasitism. Pheidole desertorum was identified as the host ant, and at night is the dominant ant in the tree canopy of C. linearis. Feeding at the EFN by the host ant, and the direct association with planidia near to or in the EFN, is interpreted as a novel means of accessing the host brood.

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          Most cited references8

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          • Abstract: found
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          Is Open Access

          The Habits of the Eucharidæ

          C Clausen (1941)
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            Phylogenetic Relationships of Oraseminae (Hymenoptera: Eucharitidae)

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              • Record: found
              • Abstract: not found
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              Preliminary studies on the biology of Orasema assectator Kerrich (Hym., Eucharitidae), parasitic on Pheidole and causing damage to leaves of tea in Assam

              G. Das (1963)
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                Author and article information

                Journal
                Journal of Hymenoptera Research
                JHR
                Pensoft Publishers
                1314-2607
                1070-9428
                May 31 2012
                May 31 2012
                : 27
                : 47-65
                Article
                10.3897/jhr.27.3067
                6f097d5f-fd9c-4dd2-89c2-f804e75e1285
                © 2012

                http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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