On the evolution of host selection in solitary parasitoids

Host selection by solitary parasitoids is modeled as a problem in life-historical evolution. The basic approach is to assume fitness maximization in the face of trade-offs. Two kinds of trade-offs are considered: 1) patchy versus fine-grained host distribution, and 2) an egg-production rate that is either negatively related to adult survival or simply a fixed constant. These lead to 4 general cases. The range of hosts attacked under each is derived. The resulting decision rules are similar to several decision rules from classical foraging theory. -from Authors