# Courtship and Mating Behavior of the Aphid Parasitoid Praon volucre: Effects of Host Association and Behavioral Lateralization

## TL;DR

This study explores how host association and left-side bias affect the mating behavior of the aphid parasitoid Praon volucre, finding that left-biased mounting improves mating efficiency.

## Contribution

The first detailed characterization of P. volucre's mating behavior and the role of lateralization in its reproductive success.

## Key findings

- Males from both host-derived populations showed a left-side mounting bias linked to faster mating and higher success.
- Mating behavior remained stable across different host origins, indicating strong behavioral robustness.
- Host switching during rearing is unlikely to affect the parasitoid's reproductive performance.

## Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of lateralization and host association on the mating process and success of two populations of Praon volucre emerging from two aphid hosts, Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Aulacorthum solani. A left-biased mounting tendency, associated with a faster mating process and higher copulation success, was observed for both host-derived populations. The investigation of the host association did not lead to significant differences between the two P. volucre populations. These findings indicate that P. volucre has a stable and efficient mating system. Understanding mating behavior can therefore help improve mass-rearing strategies and the effectiveness of parasitoid-based aphid control.

Mating behavior plays a critical role in the reproductive success and population dynamics of insects. Praon volucre is a widespread, broadly oligophagous aphid parasitoid and an important natural enemy in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The present study provides the first detailed characterization of the courtship and mating sequence of P. volucre, examining the effects of host association and behavioral lateralization on mating performance. Behavioral observations were conducted on virgin P. volucre adults emerging from two aphid hosts, Macrosiphum euphorbiae feeding on Citrus aurantium and Aulacorthum solani feeding on Malva neglecta. Males from both host-derived populations exhibited a left-side mounting bias, which was associated with faster mate detection, reduced courtship duration, and higher mating success. Mating behavior remained largely stable across host origins, indicating a high degree of behavioral stability. This behavioral robustness, combined with enhanced mating efficiency driven by lateralization, underscores the suitability of P. volucre as a biological control agent. The results have practical implications for mass-rearing and release programs, suggesting that a potential host switching during rearing is unlikely to compromise reproductive performance.