Population dynamics of one-parasitoid-two-bruchine-host systems with learning and memory: cooperation with neuroethology

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We examined population dynamics of one-parasitoid-two-host systems, using pteromalid wasp (Anisopteromalus calandrae) and two bruchine hosts (Callosobruchus chinensis, C. maculatus). The resource seeds are provided in combination with the azuki and the black-eye beans, so that we could adjust the predation pressure. Introducing the parasitoid greatly enhanced the coexistence time, to a maximum of 118 weeks, where C. maculates and C. chinensis showed anti-phase oscillations. The parasitoid performed frequency-dependent predation on two host species and switched the preference depending on their abundance. Learning experiments confirmed the frequency-dependent predation of A. calandrae with olfactory cue. The parasitoid increased their preference for the common host species, which results in three-species coexistence for a long time.