Canadian Forest Service Publications
Marking bark beetle parasitoids within the host plant with rubidium for dispersal studies. 2003. Hougardy, E.; Pernet, P.; Warnau, M.; Delisle, J.; Grégoire, J.C. Entomol. Exp. Appl. 108: 107-114.
Year: 2003
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 24488
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Abstract
A technique using rubidium chloride (RbCl), a trace element, as internal label is proposed for marking hymenopteran parasitoids attacking a concealed host, Ips typographus L. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). RbCl was introduced directly into spruce via the vascular system using glass tubing. RbCl passed through the food chain and was detected at the parasitoid level by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (EAAS) or flame emission spectroscopy (FES). Mark persistency until day 8 after emergence was tested in labelled Rhopalicus tutela (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). The mark decreased with time only in fed females, probably due to excretion and/or egg resorption. The proportion of marked males did not vary with time or treatment.