ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Lepidoptera
;
Arctiidae
;
pyrrolizidine alkaloids
;
cannibalism
;
acquired defense
;
phagostimulation
;
specific hunger
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The mothUtetheisa ornatrix derives protection against predation from systemic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that it sequesters as a larva from its foodplants (Leguminosae,Crotalaria spp.). We here show, in laboratory tests, thatUtetheisa deficient in body PA can make up for the chemical shortfall by cannibalizing pupae. We present evidence indicating that cannibalism in larvae is elicited not by hunger, but possibly by PA deficiency itself, and that in making cannibalistic choices larvae prefer PA-containing over PA-free pupae. PAs themselves, either in crystalline form or as additives to food items, proved phagostimulatory to larvae. In natureUtetheisa tend to pupate away from their foodplant, essentially out of reach of larval attack. The threat of cannibalism may have contributed to the evolution of this pupation behavior.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01923618
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