Physiological and behavioral host-parasitoid interactions: Future visions

摘要

The association of insect parasitoids with their highly co-evolved host species requires a sophisticated degree of physiological signaling between host and parasitoid. Host suitability reflects a combination of multifactorial traits, encompassing host immunocompetence, endocrine status, nutritional quality, and behavior, among other features. The articles in this special issue address many of these topics, and describe the physiological and behavioral interactions of insect hosts with hymenopteran and dipteran parasitoids as well as symbionts and pathogens. The papers in this issue were originally presented in a symposium entitled "Physiological and behavioral host-parasite interactions" that convened during the 2004 International Congress of Entomology in Brisbane, Australia. All manuscripts have undergone rigorous peer review before acceptance for publication in this special issue.