Journal of Research in Ecology An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Does distribution of Acridomorpha is influenced by parasitoid attack? A

model with Scelio aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) in the experimental farm

Authors: ABSTRACT: ElSayed WM Abu ElEla SA and In a survey of the Acridomorpha assemblage in two different sampling Eesa NM localities I and II at an experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University-ten different species had been recorded. These species were belonging to two subfamilies and representing ten tribes. Family was found to exhibit the highest number of tribes (8 tribes and 8 species) whereas, family was represented by Institution: only two tribes harboring two species. The current research provides an attempt to Department of Entomology, point out the significance of Scelio aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) potential Faculty of Science, parasitoidism on natural acridomorphine populations through examining the egg- Cairo University, pods. It was clear that only three acridomorphine species; thalassinus Giza-12613-Egypt. (Fabricius, 1798), Acrotylus patruelis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) and conica

(Olivier, 1791), were virtually attacked by the hymenopterous S. aegyptiacus (Priesner,

1951).

Keywords:

Parasitoidism, Acridomorpha, Scelio aegyptiacus, Stenophagous, presence-

absence.

Corresponding author: Article Citation: El-Sayed WM ElSayed WM,Abu ElEla SA and Eesa NM Does distribution of Acridomorpha is influenced by parasitoid attack? A model with Scelio aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) in the experimental farm Journal of Research in Ecology (2016) 4(1): 030-037 Email Id: Dates: Received: 08 March 2016 Accepted: 18 March 2016 Published: 13 April 2016

Journal of Research in Ecology in Research of Journal

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Journal of Research 030-036 | JRE | 2016| Vol 4 | No 1 in Ecology An International Scientific Research Journal www.ecologyresearch.info

ElSayed et al., 2016

INTRODUCTION It was noted that only a single wasp develops within a and locusts are known worldwide egg and the Scelio adults live only a very for the enormous damage they cause to agricultural crops short time, usually no more than three weeks under the and pastures, imposing untold burdens on the economy best conditions. The sex ratio varies among species, but of many nations. These can be found in various there are usually more females than males by a habitats, as well as the more diverse and familiar species considerable margin (Lakin, 1994; Dysart, 1995; Baker could be found in grasslands and forests (Peveling et al., et al., 1996; Dangerfield et al., 2001; Ghahari et al., 1999; Shahpa, 2003; Abu ElEla et al., 2012). Different 2009). Acridopmorpha species are common and abundant in In the present study only one factor, the Egypt and most of them complete their metamorphosis parasitoidism of S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951), was by the end of August without diapause (Shahpa, 2003). taken into consideration on the probable effect on the egg A good number of species are well -pods of Acridomorpha species inhabiting two localities documented in Egypt (Shahpa, 2003). Many studies have in the experimental farm of the faculty of Agriculture, been performed on Orthoptera, and in particular Giza Governorate, Egypt. Acridomorpha, including , Ecology, The effects of parasitoidism were studied in Physiology and pest control. However, from the terms of number of egg-pods of different acridomorphine available literature, little is known concerning Scelio species attacked, degree, and synchronization of the aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) potential parasitoidism on parasitoid with the general habitats of the hosts as an the egg-pods of the Egyptian acridomorphine species. attempt to establish a corner stone for future importance The first described member of Scelio was carried of S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) parasitoidism in out by Walker (1839) from the specimens of Australia. regulating natural Acridomorpha populations in Egypt. Dangerfield et al. (2001) have pointed out that Scelio is one of the largest genera of Scelionids with more than MATERIALS AND METHODS 225 described species. They are considered as obligate Study site endoparasitoids of eggs of different grasshoppers and Regular weekly field excursions were performed locusts (Riffat et al., 2013). It also demonstrated a during the summer season for sampling and collecting definite resistance to parasite survival on the part of different acridomorphine egg-pods from two main some host species and considerable immunity on the part localities (I and II) located in the experimental farm at of others, either as to attack by the parasite, or as to the the Faculty of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt (30°.0246´ N, establishment in the host. 31°.1925´ E) (Fig. 1). The two localities (I and II) were Members of Family Scelionidae are considered part of the general plane of Giza Governorate and were as the only true parasitoids of grasshopper eggs (Ghahari not a part of national park or protected area. The northern et al., 2009). The North American species of Scelionidae border of the study site was surrounded by Safet El that develop as parasites in the eggs of grasshoppers Laban Corridor while urban areas and abodes belong to two genera: the genus Scelio, which contains surrounding other borders. The general topography of the about 19 species, and the genus Synoditella, represented experimental farm is a flat area devoid of any elevations. by two species (Muesebeck, 1972). Collection of egg-pods Scelio species occur throughout the world Locating the egg-pods in the soil is, most often, a wherever grasshoppers are found (Ghahari et al., 2009). lengthy and difficult task since finding pods in the soil 031 Journal of Research in Ecology (2016) 4(1): 030-037 ElSayed et al., 2016

Figure. 1. Map of the Study area: (a) Map of Egypt showing Giza Gover- norate; (b) aerial photograph showing the study area (dotted circle); and (c) the two main sampling localities (I and II).

iss so unpredictable, and it is easy to miss egg-pods ElSayed (2006); Riffat and Wagan (2009). Pods were (Kaltenbach, 1965; Flook and Rowell, 1998; Ghahari et lifted using small stainless steel scoop and these pods al., 2009). Accordingly, the egg-pods were collected were deposited singly in labeled empty glass jam jars from the most favored ovipositional sites of adult female (250 ml, 6 cm Ø and 11 cm deep). The openings of these acridomorphine species where pods would be expected jars were covered with cotton muslin by means of from pits appeared in the ground surface that could ordinary rubber bands before transportation to the contain pods (Waloff, 1950; Khalifa, 1956; Chapman and laboratory. Care was taken to keep the jars moist for Robertson, 1958; Chapman, 1961; Shah et al., 1998; further analysis. The pods and the eggs were carefully Shahpa, 2003; ElShazly and ElSayed, 2006; Abu ElEla et examined for the presence of parasitoidism. Fifty egg- al., 2012). Thus, searches were thoroughly took place pods, from each of the collected Acridomorpha species, along the edges of the cultivated fields, along the lines of were examined for the presence of parasitoids. Collected the irrigating trenches, on yards of wild vegetations, parasitoids were collected using fine forceps and lower branches of shrubs and bushes. Excavations were immediately preserved in a solution of 70% ethyl alcohol performed using bare hands and short handle-machetes and glycerol in an attempt to keep the collected where soil litters were removed. These searches were specimens in good conditions for further examination. extended to a radius of ca. 3 meter from the main trunk Scrutinized examinations of the collected parasitoids of these bushes or shrubs. were performed using binocular stereo-microscope at The soil was scraped carefully with short-handle magnification of 40X. hoe in order to expose any egg-pod which might have been presented at a depth of 20-120 mm as suggested by RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Zafari and Qazi (1989); Shah et al. (1998); ElShazly and Our present investigation yielded 500 egg-pods

Journal of Research in Ecology (2016) 4(1): 030-037 032

ElSayed et al., 2016

belonging to 10 different Acridomorpha species in the

two localities (I and II) in the experimental farm of the

) Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. These species II were represented by two families and 10 tribes (table 1).

Family Acrididae was found to exhibit the highest

- - -

vegetations ( + ++ ++ + + + + + + -

Grassland and wild number of tribes (8 tribes and 8 species) whereas family pods

- Pyrgomorphinae was represented by only two tribes harboring two species (table 1). Only five

acridomorphine species were found to deposit their egg-

)

pods in the two localities (I and II) as indicated in table

I

Locality ofLocality Egg Cultivated area with its vicinity ( ++ - ++ ++ + - - - + ++

(1). The egg-pods of four acridomorphine species; A.

pellucida (Klug, 1830), O. gracilis (Krauss, 1902), S. pods - carinatus (Saussure, 1888) and T. nasuta (Linnaeus,

1758), were collected from grassland and wild

Scelio aegyp- Scelio / 50 / egg

vegetations (locality II) reflecting their preference for

tiacus 11 Nil 16 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2 No. of locality II as preferred ovipositional sites (table 1). It has to be mentioned that these four species represented the

least number of collected egg-pods. The egg-pods of P.

conica (Olivier, 1791) was found to be abundant in

locality I and completely absent in locality II as indicated

in table (1).

Schäffer, 1838)

(Latreille, 1804)(Latreille, (Blanchard, 1836) (Blanchard, - A rapid glance on table (1) is ample to show that

(Saussure, 1888) (Saussure, the egg-pods of only three acridomorphine species; A.

(Olivier, 1791)(Olivier,

(Fabricius, 1781)(Fabricius,

(Rambur, (Rambur, 1838)

(Priesner, 1951) ondifferent inhabiting species Acridomorpha two localities (Herrich

(Krauss, 1902) (Krauss, patruelis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838), C. comprissicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Linnaeus,

(Klug, 1830)(Klug, (Latreille, 1804) and H. littoralis (Rambur, 1838), were

occasionally collected from locality II and being absent in locality I.

During the investigation, only individuals

Acridomorphaspecies Acrotylus patruelis pellucid Aiolopus thalassinus Calephorus comprissicornis Heteracris littoralis Ochrilidiagracilis Sphingoderus carinatus Truxalisnasuta Chrotogonus hamalodemus Pyrgomorpha conica

Scelio aegyptiacus

II) atII) the experimental offarm the Faculty Agriculture, of Cairo University.

belonging to one species of the parasitoid; Scelio

and

(I (I aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) (:

Scelionidae), were recorded to attack the virtual egg-

pods of certain Acridomorpha species. The female

Parasitoidism by

scelionid, S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951), was

Acrotylini Acridini Epacromiini Calephorini Euprepocnemidini Ochrilidini Sphingotini Truxalini Chrotogonini Pyrgomorphini

Tribe stenophagous and observed to oviposit in the egg-pods

Table1.

= Occasional, + = =Present, Occasional, =++ + Abundant

- predominantly those of A. thalassinus (Fabricius, 1781)

(16 egg-pods were parasitoized out of 50 pods) and A.

patruelis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) (11 egg-pods were

= Absent, +

- parasitoized out of 50 pods) (table 1). However, the egg-

Family Acrididae pods of C. hamalodemus (Blanchard, 1836) were 033 Journal of Research in Ecology (2016) 4(1): 030-037 ElSayed et al., 2016

occasionally attacked by S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) pods of Hieroglyphus perpolita (Uvarov, 1033), H. where only two egg-pods were parasitoized out of 50 oryzivorus (Carl, 1916) and H. nigrorepletus (I. Bolivar, pods (table 1). 1912) from localities in Pakistan. Moreover, in Australia, As shown in table (1), the egg-pods of A. parasitism by Scelio species at certain sites has been thallassinus (Fabricius, 1781) was found to be the most recorded in up to 90% of the egg-pods (Maïga et al., dominant acridomorphine species (table 1) being 2008). abundant in both localities (I and II). This was preceded In accordance with our results, Prior and by A. patruelis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) and C. Greathead (1989) estimated that scelionid egg parasites comprissicornis (Latreille, 1804). (Scelio spp.) were the predominant cause of egg Indeed, the egg-pods of three Acridomorpha mortality in solitary locust populations in Africa. species, A. pellucida (Klug, 1830), T. nasuta (Linnaeus, However, scelionids were rather ineffective mortality 1758) and O. gracilis (Krauss, 1902), were completely factors in the egg pods of gregarious species, such as the devoid of S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) as indicated in desert locust. In the study areas of Dysart (1995) in table (1). Moreover, the egg-pods of S. carinatus Montana and North Dakota, Scelio parasitism never (Saussure, 1888) did not, apparently, show any sign of S. reached such high levels. Dysart (1995) found that a aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) as shown in table (1). complex of four species of Scelio parasitized about 11 In general, the eggs and egg-pods of different percent of the egg-pods. Acridomorpa species inhabiting the experimental farm of From prospective view, the authors offer four the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University showed that main points; first of all is that S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, the rate of the parasitoidism was rather low; out of 500 1951) is non-selective in finding its host since it could specimens examined, only three species were found to parasitoize more than on species of Acridomorpha in the harbour the parasitic S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951), study site (table 1). The second point is that S. showing the overall value of 5.8% parasidoidism. The aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) was found to depend, to a highest parasitoidism was confined to A. thalassinus great extent, on the abundance of the host and in turn the (Fabricius, 1781) (value of 32% parasitoidism).This abundance of the hosts’ egg-pods. Thirdly, the scelonid acridomorphine species proved to be more readily wasp was found to avoid, completely, the graminivorous parasitoized since it has greater ecological plasticity species and S. carinatus (Saussure, 1888) (species (Zafari and Qazi, 1989; Shahpa, 2003; ElShazly and inhabiting locality I) since these species live, feed and ElSayed, 2006). The second highest parasitoidism was oviposit beside graminous or, presumably, spiny plant observed in A. patruelis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1838) with a species that persist in comparatively harsh, relatively dry value of 22% parasitoidism while the least value of and with different microclimatic conditions that could parasitoidism (4%) was recorded for the chrotogonid affect the potential reproduction and/or the progeny S. acridid C. hamalodemus (Blanchard, 1836). This could aegyptiacus (Saussure, 1888). Finally, this indicate that S. aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) has hymenopterous stenophagous parasitoid may hold the relatively narrow host range in the selected localities (I difficulties in search and find an egg-pod as a host of and II) in the experimental farm of the Faculty of acridomorphine species inhabiting dense vegetation as in Agriculture, Cairo University. This finding is in contrary the case of H. littoralis (Rambur, 1838) from which the with that of Riffat and Wagan (2009) since they collected egg-pods of this species were collected from locality I. a large number of this parasitoid species from the egg- In the present study, the consideration of

Journal of Research in Ecology (2016) 4(1): 030-037 034 ElSayed et al., 2016

parasitoidism of Scelio aegyptiacus (Priesner, 1951) as a among different sampling sites within Satoyama area, mere key-factor affecting the natural populations of Japan. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 4(3):2476–2480. Acridomorpha species did not imply that parasitoidism Baker GL, Dysart RJ and R Pigott. (1996). Parasitism alone would regulate the abundance or the distribution of of grasshopper and locust eggs (Orthoptera: Acrididae) such acridomorphine species. Indeed, in certain by Scelio species (Hymenoptera: Scel ionidae) in situations, at least, it appeared that the populations' Southern Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 44 distribution of Acridomorpha species could exert a (4):427-443. significant impact on the potential parasitoidism of S.

aegyptiacus (Rambur, 1838). Chapman RF. (1961). The egg pods of some tropical Criddle (1917), Parker (1935) and others African grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) Egg pods mentioned that weather conditions are largely from grasshoppers collected in Southern Ghana. Journal responsible for grasshopper abundance in western of Entomological Society of South Africa, 24(2):259-284. Canada, but little reference are available to the potential Chapman RF and Robertson IAD. (1958). The egg restraining effects of parasitoidism in the field pods of some tropical African grasshoppers. Journal of populations. Smith (1961) declared that grasshopper Entomological Society of South Africa, 21 (1): 85-112. numbers fluctuate in response to a changing complex of

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