Electroantennographic Responses of Xanthopimpla pedator to Plant Volatiles in the Tasar Ecosystem: Preliminary Insights

ABSTRACT In the Tasar ecosystem, Xanthopimpla pedator (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a key pupal endoparasitoid of the wild silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) and its extensive parasitism significantly reduces silk yield. Tasar host plants, Terminalia tomentosa (Roxb. Wight. & Arn.) and T. arjuna (Roxb. Wight. & Arn.) (damaged/undamaged) emit an array of plant‐derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may influence parasitoid behaviour and host‐location processes. This study investigated the electroantennographic (EAG) responses of X. pedator to plant‐derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with the Tasar ecosystem, to identify candidate semiochemicals involved in its ecological interactions. Preliminary scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed diverse antennal sensilla types, indicating potential roles in chemoreception and host discrimination. EAG screening of 50 VOCs spanning multiple chemical classes (alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, phenols and aromatics) revealed significant, compound‐specific antennal responses. Several compounds elicited strong electrophysiological responses, exceeding those of the reference standard, suggesting their potential as candidate semiochemicals. These findings demonstrate the high olfactory sensitivity of X. pedator to ecologically relevant volatiles and provide a foundation for future behavioural validation and the development of semiochemical‐based pest management strategies in the Tasar ecosystem.