Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.18931zd94

Description of the data and file structure

The file is a data set raw file, containing functional responses data sets and parasitoid fitness collected data

File: fr_venturia.xlsx

This dataset contains results from experiments evaluating the functional response, larval development, fecundity, and longevity of parasitoid wasps reared on different host larval instars. The dataset consists of four worksheets. For each worksheet, the variables (columns), their definitions, and units of measurement are fully described below.

Functional Response

Content:
This worksheet reports the number of host larvae parasitized by female parasitoids across a range of host-density treatments. Each row corresponds to a single replicate within a given density treatment.

Columns and Definitions:

• Host_species: Host species used in the assay (categorical).
• Host_instar: Larval instar of the host (categorical; e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd instar).
• Host_density: Number of host larvae offered to the parasitoid (integer).
• Replicate: Replicate number for the given treatment (integer).
• Parasitized_larvae: Number of larvae parasitized in that replicate (integer; unit: count).

·        Worksheets refer to:

·        ECT L3

·        ECT L4

·        ECT L5

·        EPH L3

·        EPH L4

·        EPH L5

Naming convention

·        “ECT” refers to Ectomyelois ceratoniae

·        “EPH” refers to Ephestia kuehniella

·        “L3”, “L4”, “L5” indicate host larval instars

Units of Measurement:
All counts represent numbers of larvae.

Larval Development

Content:
This worksheet provides the developmental duration of parasitoids reared on different host larval instars. Each row represents an individual parasitoid or a replicate group (depending on how your dataset is structured).

Columns and Definitions:

• Host_species: Host species used (categorical).
• Host_instar: Larval instar on which the parasitoid developed (categorical).
• Replicate: Replicate identifier (integer).
• Development_time_days: Number of days required for the parasitoid to reach adulthood from egg to adult emergence (numeric; unit: days).

Units of Measurement:
Development time is measured in days.

Fecundity

Content:
This worksheet contains the number of eggs laid by adult female parasitoids that had developed on different host larval instars. Each row represents one female or one replicate.

Columns and Definitions:

• Host_species: Host species from which the parasitoid emerged (categorical).
• Host_instar: Larval instar on which the parasitoid developed (categorical).
• Replicate: Replicate number (integer).
• Eggs_laid: Total number of eggs laid by the adult female parasitoid (integer; unit: count).

Units of Measurement:
Egg production is expressed as number of eggs.

Longevity

Content:
This worksheet reports the adult lifespan of parasitoids that developed on different host instars. Each row corresponds to one parasitoid adult or replicate.

Columns and Definitions:

• Host_species: Host species on which the parasitoid developed (categorical).
• Host_instar: Larval instar used for parasitoid development (categorical).
• Replicate: Replicate identifier (integer).
• Adult_longevity_days: Lifespan of the adult parasitoid (numeric; unit: days).

Units of Measurement:
Longevity is reported in days.

Notes on Data Usage

• All data are provided in unformatted tabular form suitable for re-analysis.
• Variable names and units are standardized across all sheets to facilitate merging and comparative analysis.
• Experimental replicates are included to allow statistical evaluation.
• Functional response data can be used to fit Holling-type models or other predator–prey interaction analyses.
• Developmental, fecundity, and longevity data can be used to explore life-history trade-offs and host age effects