Phototactic behaviour of Pachyneuron aphidis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) – hyperparasitoid of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphidiae)

Abstract

We investigated the spectral sensitivity and response to light intensity of Pachyneuron aphidis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), which is a common hyperparasitoid of Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a key natural enemy of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae). To do so, we used 15 monochromatic lights (emitting various specific wavelengths from 340 to 649 nm) and white light. P. aphidis adults are diurnal insects that show a positive phototaxis to a broad spectrum of light. Significant differences were found between sexes in the phototactic responses of P. aphidis to different monochromatic lights. Female P. aphidis showed four peaks of sensitivity at 380, 450, 504 and 589 nm. Male P. aphidis show two peaks of sensitivity, one at 450 nm and second at 628 nm. P. aphidis adults showed an increased phototactic response at low intensities and a decreased phototactic response at high intensities for both UV light and blue light. This experiment will help provide a scientific basis for the development of colour traps for insect pest management.

Keywords:

• Pachyneuron aphidis
• phototaxis
• monochromatic light
• spectral sensitivity
• light intensity

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Mr. W. Reng (Tobacco Company of Yuxi Hongta of Yunnan Province) for providing experimental materials and to Professor R. David Clements of Trinity Western University for English proofreading.

Funding

This study was funded by the Misereor Foundation [grant number 335-031-1028 Z].

Additional information

Funding

Funding: This study was funded by the Misereor Foundation [grant number 335-031-1028 Z].