Bird dispersal of the larval stage of a seed predator

Multiflora rose seeds containing larvae of the phytophagous wasp Megastigmus aculeatus nigroflavus were fed to a caged mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos). Ninety percent of the seeds were recovered from the bird's feces, and there was no significant difference in subsequent emergence of the wasps from these seeds when compared to controls. This study indicates the dispersal of seed-feeding hymenoptera by avian frugivores may be a widespread and significant phenomenon.