Sutherland J P, Sullivan M S, Poppy G M
Behavioural and Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
Bull Entomol Res. 2001 Oct;91(5):411-8. doi: 10.1079/ber2001117.
Three bioassays were used to examine the oviposition behaviour of the hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus (Degeer) in which various stimuli purported to influence host assessment and choice were tested. Episyrphus balteatus failed to exhibit enhanced behavioural responses, in terms of approaches and landings, to artificial leaves with the highest numbers of aphids, suggesting that females are merely responding to the colour of the artificial leaves. A density-dependent oviposition response was reported in a second bioassay using whole bean plants, although there was an asymptotic relationship. Syrphid responses, which were measured by oviposition over a five-day period, were greatest towards those plants with the highest number of aphids. In a final series of trials, gravid female E. balteatus showed a behavioural preference for filter papers treated with the greatest honeydew concentrations (0.26 mg microl(-1) honeydew). More time was spent in the treated areas and syrphids demonstrated more proboscis and ovipositor extensions in these treatments. These bioassays provided an opportunity to isolate some of the individual components of decision-making by female E. balteatus during egg-laying behaviour. A greater understanding of natural enemy behaviour is essential before enhanced control of pest populations in the field can be established.
采用了三种生物测定法来研究食蚜蝇（Episyrphus balteatus (Degeer)）的产卵行为，在这些测定法中，对各种据称会影响寄主评估和选择的刺激因素进行了测试。在接近和着陆方面，食蚜蝇对蚜虫数量最多的人工叶片并未表现出增强的行为反应，这表明雌性食蚜蝇仅仅是对人工叶片的颜色做出反应。在使用整株豆类植物的第二项生物测定法中，报告了一种密度依赖性产卵反应，尽管存在一种渐近关系。通过在五天时间内的产卵情况来衡量，食蚜蝇对蚜虫数量最多的那些植物的反应最为强烈。在最后一系列试验中，怀孕的雌性食蚜蝇对用最高浓度（0.26毫克微升（-1）蜜露）处理过的滤纸表现出行为偏好。在处理过的区域花费的时间更多，并且在这些处理中食蚜蝇表现出更多的喙和产卵器伸展。这些生物测定法为分离雌性食蚜蝇在产卵行为期间决策的一些个体组成部分提供了机会。在能够加强对田间害虫种群的控制之前，更深入地了解天敌行为至关重要。
