ISSN:
1572-8889
Keywords:
Aphis fabae
;
ants
;
aphids
;
chemical mimicry
;
foraging behavior
;
Lysiphlebus cardui
;
parasitoid wasps
;
Trioxys angelicae
;
trophobionts
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We describe the behavioral interactions between honeydew-collecting workers of the ants Lasius nigerand Myrmica ruginodisand females of three species of aphidiid wasps (Lysiphlebus cardui, Lysiphlebus testaceipes, Trioxys angelicae)foraging for their aphid host, Aphis fabaessp. cirsiiacanthoidis,on thistles. Using field and laboratory experiments, we show that the ant-parasitoid interactions are species specific. Workers of both ant species generally attacked and killed females of T. angelicae,but they ignored those of L. cardui.This pattern was not altered when we anesthetized the wasps slightly with carbon dioxide to reduce their mobility. Prior contacts between L. carduiand either conspecific L. nigerfrom a different nest or workers of a different ant species (M. ruginodis)did not influence L. niger'snonaggressive behavior. The number of aphids parasitized by L. testaceipeswas significantly reduced in aphid colonies attended by L. niger,although this parasitoid was rarely attacked by ants. In encounters between these species of ants and wasps, ant aggression is consistent with differences in wasp behavior. We suggest that, in addition, chemical cues located in the cuticula may enable L. carduito avoid detection by honeydew-collecting ants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01048111
