Sun, J.H., Clarke, S.R., DeBarr, G.L., & Berisford, C.W. 2004a Interspecific competition between two parasitoids of the mealybug, Oracella acuta (Lobdell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).. Journal of Entomological Science 39(1): 136-139.

Notes: The interspecific competition between Allotropa sp. nov. and Zarhopalus debarri was evaluated to aid in the design of a biological control programme for O. acuta in China. Entire seedlings or individual branches of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii infested by the pest were placed in greenhouse cages. The parasitoid adults and mummified O. acuta were obtained from the pine samples and developing insects were reared to emergence. Allotropa sp. nov. produced 15% more F1 adults than Z. debarri when single females were enclosed separately. When pairs of each species were caged together and forced to compete for hosts, Allotropa sp. nov. females produced a similar number of progeny as Allotropa sp. nov. females caged alone, while Z. debarri females produced 80% fewer progeny compared to those caged alone. Newly emerged and mated Allotropa sp. nov. females showed active searching behaviour, while those of Z. debarri rarely moved. There was no evidence of multiparasitism on O. acuta. Both species preferred adults, but Allotropa sp. nov. may produce multiple progeny and can utilize early instars when adults are scarce.