Kfir, R., Rosen, D., & Podoler, H. 1983 Laboratory studies of competition among three species of hymenopterous hyperparasites.. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 33(3): 320-328.

Notes: Competition tests were carried out in the laboratory among the hymenopterous hyperparasites Cheiloneurus paralia, Marietta javensis and Pachyneuron muscarum (L.) (concolor), developing upon the primary parasite Microterys flavus in Coccus hesperidum. In single-species experiments, Marietta was the most efficient; it eliminated the population of the host, whereas Cheiloneurus and Pachyneuron were not able to do so. In 2-species experiments, Marietta completely replaced Cheiloneurus within 6 weeks and Pachyneuron within 8. Cheiloneurus replaced Pachyneuron within 20 weeks. In 3-species experiments, Cheiloneurus was eliminated within 4 weeks and Pachyneuron within 9. During the course of all experiments, the mortality rate of immature parasites and hyperparasites increased, and progressively more cells failed to give rise to either an adult of Microterys or a hyperparasite. This was due to host feeding and superparasitism. Pachyneuron was able to use Cheiloneurus as a host but not vice versa. The superiority of Marietta may be due to the fact that it is capable of utilising its competitors as hosts, whereas they cannot develop upon it.