Ectoparasitoid Dinarmus basalis causes greater offspring loss to the winged morph of Callosobruchus maculatus

The pest cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) exhibits polymorphism with flight and flightless forms that differ in morphology life-history. Flight are generally dispersers lower fecundity increase frequency when population density intraspecific competition both high. larvae can cause important damage to stored grains the solitary ectoparasitoid Dinarmus basalis (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is considered be a good candidate biological control agent. However, whether morphs likelihood of their offspring surviving attack unknown. Understanding this has implications for status following control. We found by D. lowered number emerging produced morphs. was most effective at reducing survival morph parents, suggesting there may further cost dispersal C. maculatus. Parental type did not influence behavior or development foraging, so mechanism resulting difference remains unclear. Nevertheless, our study shows affects morphs, as required an biocontrol These results contribute understanding how variation, including polymorphism, influences species interactions among agents target insect pests.