Investigations in Behavior and Evolution Using a Small Parasitic Wasp

This manuscript is a series of research projects which examined aspects of the nature, roles, and inter-relatedness between the fundamental wasp behaviors of stinging, chewing/feeding and aggression using Melittobia as a model. These cosmopolitan, gregarious wasps are easy to rear and manipulate allowing for straightforward methods of addressing interactions. The projects start with simple examinations of life history traits and attributes and move into complex topics of evolutionary behavior. The author, Dr. Leif D. Deyrup, focused on elucidating his interests in behavior and evolution through looking at inter and intra-species behavior of the small parasitic wasp Melittobia during his PhD at the University of Georgia. This manuscript is the results of those efforts.