Compensatory mechanisms during development contribute to overcome intraspecific competition in a dipteran solitary ectoparasitoid with larval active host seeking behaviour

1. Superparasitism has been rendered many times as detrimental for fitness, although there are examples in which the competing winning larvae compensate its development. Here, we studied if, host-parasitoid system Cyclocephala signaticollis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) – Mallophora ruficauda (Diptera: Asilidae), have compensatory mechanisms during development to overcome competition. 2. Through a combination of behavioural and artificial parasitism protocols, investigated if host instar or time between events influences probability larva In addition, effect that superparasitism terms some fitness traits like sex ratio, size, shape. 3. Our results showed M. differential larval survival according availability. found increased, second lowers chance win competition favour first arriving larva. Larvae under develop at similar rate compared had not experienced hosts. Finally, our show wing shape is different groups, this could influence flight courtship. 4. study suggests an advantageous strategy circumstances it might adult performance with related behaviours.