Abstract
The pteromalid ectoparasitoid Muscidifurax zaraptor was studied in an attempt to understand the behavior and isolate the cues related to the recognition of its host, Musca domestica Linnaeus, the common house fly. Section I of this study involved the development of an ethogram in order to gain a better understanding of this parasitoid's behavior. Significant differences were found among several of the various treatments. Section II involved the determination of whether chemical and/or physical cues were involved in eliciting host recognition behavior. Concerning this, both chemical and physical factors were important. The chemical factors were water soluble and were only removed from the host pupae by soaking in water. This water extract had no activity if applied to a flat surface. When applied to glass beads of approximate size and shape of the host, this extract elicited much exploration of the glass beads. Glass beads to which no extract was applied showed no activity. Section III involves the characterization of these cues. By testing various physical and chemical properties of the extract, the active component of the extract was determined to be a large molecular weight protein. Electrophoresis found several bands or groups of bands present. The major bands or groups of bands that were distinguished were approximately 31, 34-38, 45, 50, 80, 97, 115, and 200 kilodaltons in size.
Jones, Randy Russel (2002). Host recognition in Muscidifurax zaraptor (Hymenoptera :Pteromalidae): a parasitoid of the house fly. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -J77.