Influence of the Rearing Host on Biological Parameters of , a Potential Biological Control Agent of .

is a pupal parasitoid that can develop in a large number of drosophilid host species including the invasive pest , and is considered a biological control agent. We investigated the influence of the rearing host on the preference and performance of the parasitoid, using two different strains of , reared on or for approximately 30 generations. Host switching was employed to assess the impact of host adaptation on performance. In a no-choice experimental setup, produced more and larger offspring on the host. When given a choice, showed a preference towards , and an increased female ratio on this host compared to and . The preference was independent from the rearing host and was confirmed in behavioral assays. However, the preference towards increased further after a host switch from to in just one generation. Our data indicate that rearing for several years on does not compromise its performance on in the laboratory. However, producing a final generation on prior to release could increase its efficacy towards the pest.