Casas, J., Nisbet, R.M., Swarbrick, S.L., & Murdoch, W.W. 2000 Eggload dynamics and oviposition rate in a wild population of a parasitic wasp.. Journal of Animal Ecology 69(2): 185-193.

Notes: This paper develops and tests in the field a model that predicts the oviposition rate and the rate of egg maturation of a synovigenic parasitic wasp during a foraging period. The parasitoid is Aphytis melinus, the highly successful biological control agent of California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), a pest of citrus worldwide. The common occurrence of egg-limitation over a single day and the relatively high rate of change of states between egg- and time-limitation imply that the rate of nutrient acquisition and use are likely to be subject to strong evolutionary pressures.