Feeding and survival in parasitic wasps: sugar concentration and timing matter
Date
2001
Authors
Siekmann, G.
Tenhumberg, B.
Keller, M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Oikos, 2001; 95(3):425-430
Statement of Responsibility
Gitta Siekmann, Brigitte Tenhumberg and Michael A. Keller
Conference Name
Abstract
Sugar consumption can increase the longevity and lifetime fecundity of many species of parasitic wasps. Consequently, for these insects the availability of sugar sources in the field is important for their reproductive success. As sugar sources can be highly variable in quantity, space and time, the chances of finding a sufficient amount of sugar to increase longevity might be very low. Therefore, the reward from a single feeding event can be critical for the forager’s fitness. We measured the longevity of the parasitoid Cotesia rubecula after a single honey meal differing in sugar concentration (25, 47, 86% w/w) and timing (day of emergence and 24 h later). Survival was analysed with Cox’s Proportional Hazards Model. The risk of starving to death in sugar-fed wasps was reduced by 0–73% in comparison to unfed wasps, depending on sugar concentration and timing. Longevity was significantly increased by sugar concentration and by feeding later in life. Our results suggest that in the field, adult C. rubecula has to locate food at least once per day to avoid starvation.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com (http://www.blackwellmunksgaard.com/oikos)