Physical sensory ecology | Boln. Asoc. esp. Ent. 21 (Supl.): 73 | 1997
The interactions between host shape and the parasitoid sensory system in host recognitíon
S.B. Vinson, F. Bin, N, Isidoro, C. Rosi & R. Romani
ABSTRACT
The antennae of parasitic hymenoptera play a key role in host location and recognition. U is well recognized that volatile compounds are detected by various receptors on the antennae. It is also recognized that shape and texture play a role in host recognition. but details on how the antennae. are used to evalúate these parameters is poorly known.
We present data, focusing on Trissolcus hasalis (Sceüonidae) and Tñchopria (?drosophilae) (Dlapriidae). that shows that several types of receptors work in concert to detect specifíc shapes or structures peculiar to a particular host. This receptor system not only involves chemosensory receptors, but tactical and possibly proprioreceptors that provide infonnation on the relative position of the various flagellar segments. Thus, the position and pattern of certain receptors and their distribution on the flagellar segments along with the flexibility of the various flagellar segments plays a central role in evaluating the shape of the host.
