Effects of a lipid-rich diet on adult parasitoid income resources and survival

► Olive oil was added to the diet of the adult parasitoid Cotesia glomerata. ► Lipid levels stabilized and increased when olive oil was included in the diet. ► Longevity was unaffected after 1 day, but decreased during continuous feeding. ► An olive oil enriched diet increases income resources available for allocation. ► Dietary lipid supplementation could increase parasitoid effectiveness in biocontrol.