Journal of Pest Science (2012) 85, 55-63

Giovanni Benelli, Gabriella Bonsignori, Cesare Stefanini and Angelo Canale (2012)
Courtship and mating behaviour in the fruit fly parasitoid Psyttalia concolor (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): the role of wing fanning
Journal of Pest Science 85 (1), 55-63
Abstract: Psyttalia concolor is a parasitoid of fruit flies (Tephritidae) which is used to control the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae). Detailed knowledge of its reproductive biology is required to optimise mass rearing conditions and use in biological control. In this study, the mating behaviour of P. concolor was investigated in order to understand the factors that can influence the success of male mating, using both high-speed video and biological assays. P. concolor males were more likely to be successful in mating during the early morning as opposed to the afternoon, and their courtship behaviour was not affected by the female mating status (i.e. virgin or mated). Wing fanning and copulation attempts were also frequently displayed among males, but male mating status did not influence male-male courtship behaviour. Video data revealed that during wing fanning, male wings were kept raised and moved rhythmically in a dorsoventral fashion. Frequency, pulse duration and interpulse interval of the fanning males during female courtship differed significantly in successful mating attempts compared to unsuccessful ones. Wingless males had significantly lower mating success compared to winged males, suggesting that wing fanning increases the likelihood of attracting a mate. Overall, the study increases the knowledge of the reproductive biology of P. concolor and suggests the importance of fanning behaviour among the range of sensory modalities used by this parasitoid in intra-specific communication.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera oleae
Psyttalia concolor (parasitoid)	Bactrocera oleae