Host preference and learning in Muscidifurax zaraptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan & Legner was reared in the laboratory on either Musca domestica L. pupae or on Fannia canicularis (L.) pupae. After rearing on their respective hosts for 23 generations and in the absence of oviposition experience, parasites reared on M. domestica and F. canicularis preferred to oviposit on M. domestica (71% of total progeny) rather than on F. canicularis (29% of total progeny) when given a choice of equal numbers of both host species simultaneously. Parasites produced similar numbers of total progeny (males + females) on small M. domestica pupae and on F. canicularis pupae when both species were offered simultaneously to individual parasites.