Effects of host and parasitoid age on search behaviour and oviposition rates in Lariophagus distinguendus Förster (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Summary Oviposition rates and related behaviours were quantified for Lariophagus distinguendusFörster attacking Calosobruchus chinensis (L.) and C. maculatus (F.). Oviposition rates varied with parasitoid age; parasitoids aged 1–7 days laid approximately twice as many eggs per day as those aged 8–14 days. Similar differences were noted in search rates and handling times; younger parasitoids had higher attack rates and lower handling times than older parasitoids. Search rates and handling times also varied with the host stage available for attack. Search rates were higher and handling times were lower on larger stages. The results are discussed with reference to their impact on the dynamical behavior of insect parasitoid‐host populations.