Ovipositor probing

Many authors mentioned ovipositor probing (Spradberry, 1970 Prince, 1976 Schmidt, 1974) but few have examined the factors that elicit the response. Lawrence (1981) found vibrations from the feeding host elicited ovipositor probing in Biosteres longicaudatus. Vinson (1975b) isolated a probing stimulant for Chelonus insularis from the ovary of the tobacco budworm. 

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The drilling or penetration of a host or container of a host has often been described (Weseloh, 1980 Tucker and Leonard, 1977 Caldwell and Wilson, 1975). The factors that stimulate ovipositor drilling have been examined for few species. In Testrasticus haganowaii (G. L. Piper and S. B. Vinson, unpublished data), calcium oxalate stimulated ovipositor probing (tapping) and drilling. 

Long-range cues important in potential host community location and host location may emanate from the host, its food, shelter, or associated organisms. Short-range cues important in host location, examination, ovipositor probing, drilling and acceptance usually come from the host. Further, the same source and chemical may act as a pheromone in one context and a kairomone or synomone in others. 

Henson, R. D., Vinson, S. B. and Barfield, C. S. (1977) Ovipositional behavior of Bracon mellitor Say, a parasitoid of the boll weevil. III. Isolation and identification of natural releasers of ovipositor probing. J. Chem. EcoL, 3, 151-8. 

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