Taxonomy and Distribution of Michigan Dasymutilla (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) with Investigations of Cues Mediating Host Searching Behavior
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Authors
Wagner, Courtney
Issue Date
1996
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Dasymutilla is a genus of parasitic Hymenoptera found
on sandy habitats throughout the world. Several species are
found in Michigan, but there has been little investigation
into the behavior and biology of these insects. In this
paper, taxonomic keys, species descriptions and distribution
maps are presented for the Michigan Dasymutilla. Like many
parasitic Hymenoptera, the host searching behavior of
Dasymutilla may be influenced by an ability to detect their
own odor cues or those of hosts, or may be a result of
visual or tactile detection of host burrows. In an attempt
to investigate host searching behavior D. nigripes were
allowed to search arenas in which one side had been
presearched by themselves, other Dasymutilla species,
presumed hosts or which had been marked by sham burrows.
The experiments indicated that these mutillids did not avoid
their own odor cues or those of another Dasymutil1a species
and they did not orient towards the presence of host burrows
alone. The mutillids did, however, concentrate their
searching in areas that had previously been occupied by
presumed hosts. A comparison of D. nigripes responses to
different host species showed no distinct host preferences.
Scanning electron micrographs showed mutillid antennae to be
equipped with presumed chemoreceptors, providing a possible
mechanism by which host odor may be detected. These
observations suggest that detection of host odor is the main
factor affecting mutillid host searching behavior.
With honors.
With honors.
Description
vi, 52 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.