Podoler, H., Rosen, D., & Sharoni, M. 1978 Ovipositional responses to host density in Aphytis holoxanthus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), an efficient gregarious parasite.. Ecological Entomology 3(4): 305-311.

Notes: Ovipositional responses of an efficient gregarious ectoparasite, Aphytis holoxanthus DeBach, to increasing densities of its host, Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.) (a serious pest of citrus) were studied in a laboratory system. The female parasite may lay one to several eggs at each encounter with a host. As host density increased, the number of eggs laid by the female parasite during the experimental period increased at a decreasing rate. This type of functional response resulted in less parasitism at higher host densities. As host density increased, the number of eggs laid per encounter decreased. This behavioural response partially compensated for the decrease in parasitism.