Gordh, G., & DeBach, P. 1978 Courtship behavior in the Aphytis lingnanensis group, its potential usefulness in taxonomy, and a review of sexual behavior in the parasitic Hymenoptera (Chalcidoidea: Aphelinidae).. Hilgardia 46(2): 39 PP.

Notes: The use of courtship behavioural characters for identifying species of the group of Aphytis lingnanensis Comp. (important in the biological control of armoured scale insects) was investigated in the laboratory in California with 16 cultures of five species, details of which, including importation date, origin, laboratory hosts (Aspidiotus nerii Bch. or Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.)) and taxonomic status, are given. Qualitative analysis of courtship showed that it was possible to separate Aphytis lingnanensis, A. melinus DeBach, A. holoxanthus DeBach, A. fisheri DeBach and a semispecies of A. melinus on the basis of overt male behaviour and female response. The other species studied was A. coheni DeBach. Quantitative analysis showed that is was possible to identify different species by using pre-coital courtship duration, post-coital mount duration, pre-coital wing vibration pulse frequency, post-coital wing vibration pulse frequency, number of contacts between the sexes, and number of male courtship attempts, as characters. Antennal ablation and other experiments showed that antennae were essential for successful mating. It is suggested that a mesothoracic pore described in both the male and female releases pheromone that mediates sexual behaviour. A review of courtship behaviour in parasitic Hymenoptera indicates that higher taxa of various groups have similar courtship patterns.