Daily Distribution of Locomotor Activity in Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Analyzed Using Infrared Monitoring System

Abstract

Aphidius gifuensis is an indigenous parasitoid that is promising as a biological control agent against pest aphids in greenhouse crops. However, little is known about its daily activity rhythm. Here, we analyzed the locomotor activity using an infrared monitoring system and revealed its daily distribution pattern under short-day (12L12D) and long-day (16L8D) conditions. Female and male adults began to move after lights-on and settled down within an hour after lights-off in both photoperiods. In contrast, their activity was maintained at quite a low level at night. The fact that A. gifuensis has a strong diurnal activity rhythm should be considered when collecting this parasitoid in the field.