2017 journal article

Behavior of Telenomus podisi (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) Adults under Overwintering Conditions(1)

JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE, 52(1), 15–28.

author keywords: Platygastridae; overwintering; biocontrol
TL;DR: Results suggest that T. podisi has a preference for the type of overwintering refuge that leaf-litter may offer, indicating behavior that avoids precipitation or extreme temperature fluctuations during overwintered in field conditions. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
2. Zero Hunger (Web of Science)
13. Climate Action (Web of Science)
15. Life on Land (Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 6, 2018

Abstract  To assess overwintering refuge preferences by Telenomus podisi Ashmead, artificial refuges of varying geometries and composition were provided to wasps when exposed to overwintering conditions in an environmental chamber. Field sampling of leaf-litter and tree bark was also used in an effort to determine site preference of overwintering wasps. Under artificial overwintering conditions, wasps preferred to hang inverted while quiescent, regardless of the refuge design, indicating behavior that avoids precipitation or extreme temperature fluctuations during overwintering in field conditions. Wasps preferred refuges with wider gaps between upper and lower surfaces, avoiding spaces that were narrower than their standing height. Parasitoids also preferred settling at least 60 mm from refuge edges. Results suggest that T. podisi has a preference for the type of overwintering refuge that leaf-litter may offer.