Differential parasitism of seed-feeding Cydia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by native and alien wasp species relative to elevation in subalpine Sophora (Fabaceae) forests on Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Author:

Oboyski, Peter T., Slotterback, John W., Banko, Paul C.

Title:

Differential parasitism of seed-feeding Cydia (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by native and alien wasp species relative to elevation in subalpine Sophora (Fabaceae) forests on Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Periodical:

Journal of Insect Conservation

Year:

2004

Volume:

8

Pages:

229-240

Subject:

Alien species Biological pest control Elevation gradient Moths Parasitism

Summary:

Parasitism of native Hawaiian insects by alien wasps has been a growing concern in Hawaii as alien wasps have been implicated in the decline or extinction of 16 of the native lepidopteran species. This is partially due to wasps that were intentionally introduced as biological control agents. Since understanding the potential impacts of alien wasps requires knowledge of ecological parameters that influence parasitism rates for species in their new environment, the Sophora seed-feeding Cydia spp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) were surveyed for larval parasitoids in an effort to determine how native and alien wasps are partitioned over an elevation gradient of 2200 -2800 meters on Hawaii Island, Hawaii. To better understand the relationship between parasitism by different wasp species and elevation, this study expands on the results of a previous study. This is especially important since the endangered palila feed on the Sophora seeds that contain Cydia larvae that are important for developing palila nestlings.

Label:

Insects - Bees, Wasps

URL:

http://cletus.uhh.hawaii.edu:2085/content/q5165w426176m085/fulltext.pdf

Date:

2004

Collection:

Periodicals