Provisioning and habitat selection by parasitoids in the Douglas Lake area.

Abstract

This experiment is concerned with the ovipositing and provisioning behavior of parasitoid insect species of the Douglas Lake area in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Ovipositing and provisioning behaviors are defined as those behaviors that are utilized by parasitoids when laying eggs and providing sustenance for larvae. The research question sought to find a displayed preference for habitat type, oviposition/provision site size, and directional orientation. Oviposition/provision site refers to wood blocks with holes drilled in the ends to provide an insect-sized crevice in which to lay eggs or place larvae stocked with dead or stunned insect prey for food. These wood blocks were placed facing north/south, east/west, and vertical for a control group. After predicting that a difference between habitat, hole size, and direction options would be found, the data showed that only habitat preference was significant. Parasitism was highest at the site along a disturbed upland wooded meadow versus a lakeshore forest site.