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Roggero A, Alù D, Laini A, Rolando A, Palestrini C. Color polymorphism and mating trends in a population of the alpine leaf beetle Oreina gloriosa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298330. [PMID: 38530852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The bright colors of Alpine leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) are thought to act as aposematic signals against predation. Within the European Alps, at least six species display a basal color of either blue or green, likely configuring a classic case of müllerian mimicry. In this context, intra-population color polymorphism is paradoxical as the existence of numerous color morphs might hamper the establishment of a search image in visual predators. Assortative mating may be one of the main factors contributing to the maintenance of polymorphic populations. Due to the marked iridescence of these leaf beetles, the perceived color may change as the viewing or illumination angle changes. The present study, conducted over three years, involved intensive sampling of a population of Oreina gloriosa from the Italian Alps and applied colorimetry and a decision tree method to identify the color morphs in an objective manner. The tertiary sex ratio of the population was biased in favor of males, suggesting that viviparous females hide to give birth. Seven color morphs were identified, and their frequencies varied significantly over the course of the study. Three different analyses of mating (JMating, QInfomating, and Montecarlo simulations) recognized a general trend for random mating which coexists with some instances of positive and negative assortative mating. This could help explain the pre-eminence of one morph (which would be favored because of positive selection due to positive assortative mating) in parallel with the persistence of six other morphs (maintained due to negative assortative mating).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Roggero
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniele Alù
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Alex Laini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Rolando
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Palestrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
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2
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Jarrett BJM, Miller CW. Host Plant Effects on Sexual Selection Dynamics in Phytophagous Insects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:41-57. [PMID: 37562047 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-022823-020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural selection is notoriously dynamic in nature, and so, too, is sexual selection. The interactions between phytophagous insects and their host plants have provided valuable insights into the many ways in which ecological factors can influence sexual selection. In this review, we highlight recent discoveries and provide guidance for future work in this area. Importantly, host plants can affect both the agents of sexual selection (e.g., mate choice and male-male competition) and the traits under selection (e.g., ornaments and weapons). Furthermore, in our rapidly changing world, insects now routinely encounter new potential host plants. The process of adaptation to a new host may be hindered or accelerated by sexual selection, and the unexplored evolutionary trajectories that emerge from these dynamics are relevant to pest management and insect conservation strategies. Examining the effects of host plants on sexual selection has the potential to advance our fundamental understanding of sexual conflict, host range evolution, and speciation, with relevance across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J M Jarrett
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom;
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
| | - Christine W Miller
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA;
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Dong W, Wu WJ, Song CY, Li T, Zhang JZ. Jinggangmycin stimulates reproduction and increases CHCs-dependent desiccation tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105484. [PMID: 37532348 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Jinggangmycin (JGM), an agricultural antibiotic compound, is mainly used against the rice sheath blight (RSB) Rhizoctonia solani. However, its application may lead to unexpected consequences in insects. In this study, the effects of JGM on the physiological parameters of Drosophila melanogaster were investigated. The results showed that 0.005 g/ml JGM exposure increased female daily egg production and extended the oviposition period, while there was no significant effect on reproduction at 0.016 g/ml. At the same time, desiccation tolerance increased in flies fed 0.005 g/ml JGM. The RT-qPCR results revealed that FAS1 and FAS3 expression were upregulated in 0.005 g/ml JGM treated flies. Consistently, the amount of CHCs accumulated on the cuticle surface increased upon JGM treatment at 0.005 g/ml. Moreover, RNAi for FAS3 decreased desiccation tolerance of JGM-treated flies. These results suggest that JGM affects fatty acid biosynthesis, which in turn enhances reproduction and desiccation tolerance in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Wu
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chen-Yang Song
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ting Li
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
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Xin Y, Chen N, Wang Y, Ni R, Zhao H, Yang P, Li M, Qiu X. CYP4G8 is responsible for the synthesis of methyl-branched hydrocarbons in the polyphagous caterpillar of Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 140:103701. [PMID: 34890799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have dual functions as physical barrier and chemical signals. The last step of CHC biosynthesis is known to be catalyzed by cytochrome P450 CYP4G in a number of insects. Until recently, studies on CYP4Gs in the context of functional evolution are rare. In this study, we analyzed sequence similarity and temporal-spatial expression patterns of the five CYP4G genes in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, an important agricultural pest and also typical representative of lepidopteran insects. Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockout was used to clarify the roles of the five CYP4Gs in CHC biosynthesis. Temporal-spatial expression patterns revealed that CYP4G8 was highly expressed at all developmental stages and in most tissues examined. Larvae with CYP4G8 knocked out could not produce methyl-branched CHCs and failed to pupate, while larvae with the other four CYP4G genes knocked out (4G1-type-KO) showed no significant changes in their CHC profiles, weight gain and survival. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that knocking out CYP4G8 affected the global gene expression in larvae, especially down-regulated the expression of genes in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, while no significant change in 4G1-type-KO transcriptome was observed. These findings indicate that the five members of the CYP4G subfamily have undergone functional divergence: CYP4G8 maintains the essential function in CHC biosynthesis, while the function of the other four CYP4G genes remains unclear. Intriguingly, CYP4G8 has evolved to be a P450 enzyme responsible for the synthesis of larval methyl-branched hydrocarbons. The observation that CYP4G8 knockout is lethal strongly suggest that CYP4G8 may serve as a candidate target for the development of insecticidal agents for the control of cotton bollworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ruoyao Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hongrui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Peiqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xinghui Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profile of Parasitic Beetles, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080751. [PMID: 34442317 PMCID: PMC8397034 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Social insects use cuticular hydrocarbons for chemical recognition and communication. Cuticular hydrocarbons can also be exploited by parasites to their advantage for undermining host recognition systems. The small hive beetle (SHB) is a parasite of honey bee colonies but can also infest nests of other bee species. However, its chemical profile is still not known. For the first time, the present study investigated the SHB chemical profile and compared it with that of its honey bee host. The results show that the SHB has a low chemical profile that is similar to its honey bee host’s. However, while honey bees had a clear colony-specific chemical profile, SHBs did not. The generic chemical profile of the SHB is most likely linked to its free-flying behaviour in the field as these parasites are known to switch between host colonies, possibly limiting the acquisition of a colony specific chemical profile. Our findings also suggest that SHBs do not exploit any finely tuned chemical strategy to conceal their presence inside host colonies and probably rely on behavioural adaptations. Abstract Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) cover insects’ bodies and play important roles in chemical communication, including nestmate recognition, for social insects. To enter colonies of a social host species, parasites may acquire host-specific CHCs or covertly maintain their own CHC profile by lowering its quantity. However, the chemical profile of small hive beetles (SHBs), Aethina tumida, which are parasites of honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies, and other bee nests, is currently unknown. Here, adults of SHB and honey bee host workers were collected from the same field colonies and their CHC profiles were analysed using GC-MS. The chemical profiles of field-sampled SHBs were also compared with those of host-naive beetles reared in the laboratory. Laboratory-reared SHBs differed in their CHC profiles from field-sampled ones, which showed a more similar, but ten-fold lower, generic host CHC profile compared to host workers. While the data confirm colony-specific CHCs of honey bee workers, the profile of field-collected SHBs was not colony-specific. Adult SHBs often commute between different host colonies, thereby possibly preventing the acquisition of a colony-specific CHC profiles. An ester was exclusive to both groups of SHBs and might constitute an intraspecific recognition cue. Our data suggest that SHBs do not use any finely tuned chemical strategy to conceal their presence inside host colonies and instead probably rely on their hard exoskeleton and defence behaviours.
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Mayr AV, Keller A, Peters MK, Grimmer G, Krischke B, Geyer M, Schmitt T, Steffan‐Dewenter I. Cryptic species and hidden ecological interactions of halictine bees along an elevational gradient. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7700-7712. [PMID: 34188845 PMCID: PMC8216903 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes of abiotic and biotic conditions along elevational gradients represent serious challenges to organisms which may promote the turnover of species, traits and biotic interaction partners. Here, we used molecular methods to study cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, biotic interactions and phylogenetic relationships of halictid bees of the genus Lasioglossum along a 2,900 m elevational gradient at Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. We detected a strong species turnover of morphologically indistinguishable taxa with phylogenetically clustered cryptic species at high elevations, changes in CHC profiles, pollen resource diversity, and a turnover in the gut and body surface microbiome of bees. At high elevations, increased proportions of saturated compounds in CHC profiles indicate physiological adaptations to prevent desiccation. More specialized diets with higher proportions of low-quality Asteraceae pollen imply constraints in the availability of food resources. Interactive effects of climatic conditions on gut and surface microbiomes, CHC profiles, and pollen diet suggest complex feedbacks among abiotic conditions, ecological interactions, physiological adaptations, and phylogenetic constraints as drivers of halictid bee communities at Mt. Kilimanjaro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia V. Mayr
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Alexander Keller
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
- Center for Computational and Theoretical BiologyCampus NordUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
- Department of BioinformaticsBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Marcell K. Peters
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Gudrun Grimmer
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Beate Krischke
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Mareen Geyer
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Ingolf Steffan‐Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical BiologyBiocenterUniversity of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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Sprenger PP, Hartke J, Schmitt T, Menzel F, Feldmeyer B. Candidate genes involved in cuticular hydrocarbon differentiation between cryptic, parabiotic ant species. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2021; 11:6174692. [PMID: 33729492 PMCID: PMC8104948 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are highly diverse and have multiple functions, including communication and waterproofing. CHC profiles form species-specific, complex blends of up to 150 compounds. Especially in ants, even closely related species can have largely different profiles, raising the question how CHC differences are mirrored in the regulation of biosynthetic pathways. The neotropical ants Crematogaster levior and Camponotus femoratus both consist of two cryptic species each that are morphologically similar, but express strongly different CHC profiles. This is ideal to study the molecular basis of CHC differences. We thus investigated gene expression differences in fat-body transcriptomes of these ants. Despite common garden conditions, we found several thousand differentially expressed transcripts within each cryptic species pair. Many of these were related to metabolic processes, probably accounting for physiological differences. Moreover, we identified candidate genes from five gene families involved in CHC biosynthesis. By assigning candidate transcripts to orthologs in Drosophila, we inferred which CHCs might be influenced by differential gene expression. Expression of these candidate genes was often mirrored in the CHC profiles. For example, Cr. levior A, which has longer CHCs than its cryptic sister species, had a higher expression of elongases and a lower expression of fatty acyl- CoA reductases. This study is one of the first to identify CHC candidate genes in ants and will provide a basis for further research on the genetic basis of CHC biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp P Sprenger
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hartke
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Senckenberg Research Institute, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Menzel
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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8
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Blomquist GJ, Ginzel MD. Chemical Ecology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology of Insect Hydrocarbons. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:45-60. [PMID: 33417824 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-031620-071754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) consist of complex mixtures of straight-chain alkanes and alkenes, and methyl-branched hydrocarbons. In addition to restricting water loss through the cuticle and preventing desiccation, they have secondarily evolved to serve a variety of functions in chemical communication and play critical roles as signals mediating the life histories of insects. In this review, we describe the physical properties of CHCs that allow for both waterproofing and signaling functions, summarize their roles as inter- and intraspecific chemical signals, and discuss the influences of diet and environment on CHC profiles. We also present advances in our understanding of hydrocarbon biosynthesis. Hydrocarbons are biosynthesized in oenocytes and transported to the cuticle by lipophorin proteins. Recent work on the synthesis of fatty acids and their ultimate reductive decarbonylation to hydrocarbons has taken advantage of powerful new tools of molecular biology, including genomics and RNA interference knockdown of specific genes, to provide new insights into the biosynthesis of hydrocarbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Blomquist
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada 89557, USA;
| | - Matthew D Ginzel
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA;
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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The Importance of Methyl-Branched Cuticular Hydrocarbons for Successful Host Recognition by the Larval Ectoparasitoid Holepyris sylvanidis. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:1032-1046. [PMID: 33123870 PMCID: PMC7677283 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of host insects are used by many parasitic wasps as contact kairomones for host location and recognition. As the chemical composition of CHCs varies from species to species, the CHC pattern represents a reliable indicator for parasitoids to discriminate host from non-host species. Holepyris sylvanidis is an ectoparasitoid of beetle larvae infesting stored products. Previous studies demonstrated that the larval CHC profile of the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum, comprises long chain linear and methyl-branched alkanes (methyl alkanes), which elicit trail following and host recognition in H. sylvanidis. Here we addressed the question, whether different behavioral responses of this parasitoid species to larvae of other beetle species are due to differences in the larval CHC pattern. Our study revealed that H. sylvanidis recognizes and accepts larvae of T. confusum, T. castaneum and T. destructor as hosts, whereas larvae of Oryzaephilus surinamensis were rejected. However, the latter species became attractive after applying a sample of T. confusum larval CHCs to solvent extracted larvae. Chemical analyses of the larval extracts revealed that CHC profiles of the Tribolium species were similar in their composition, while that of O. surinamensis differed qualitatively and quantitatively, i.e. methyl alkanes were present as minor components on the cuticle of all Tribolium larvae, but were absent in the O. surinamensis CHC profile. Furthermore, the parasitoid successfully recognized solvent extracted T. confusum larvae as hosts after they had been treated with a fraction of methyl alkanes. Our results show that methyl alkanes are needed for host recognition by H. sylvanidis.
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Park SJ, Pandey G, Castro-Vargas C, Oakeshott JG, Taylor PW, Mendez V. Cuticular Chemistry of the Queensland Fruit Fly Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt). Molecules 2020; 25:E4185. [PMID: 32932681 PMCID: PMC7571174 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticular layer of the insect exoskeleton contains diverse compounds that serve important biological functions, including the maintenance of homeostasis by protecting against water loss, protection from injury, pathogens and insecticides, and communication. Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) is the most destructive pest of fruit production in Australia, yet there are no published accounts of this species' cuticular chemistry. We here provide a comprehensive description of B. tryoni cuticular chemistry. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and characterize compounds in hexane extracts of B. tryoni adults reared from larvae in naturally infested fruits. The compounds found included spiroacetals, aliphatic amides, saturated/unsaturated and methyl branched C12 to C20 chain esters and C29 to C33 normal and methyl-branched alkanes. The spiroacetals and esters were found to be specific to mature females, while the amides were found in both sexes. Normal and methyl-branched alkanes were qualitatively the same in all age and sex groups but some of the alkanes differed in amounts (as estimated from internal standard-normalized peak areas) between mature males and females, as well as between mature and immature flies. This study provides essential foundations for studies investigating the functions of cuticular chemistry in this economically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo J. Park
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Australian Research Council Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Gunjan Pandey
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, Black Mountain, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Cynthia Castro-Vargas
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, Black Mountain, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - John G. Oakeshott
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Land and Water, Black Mountain, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Phillip W. Taylor
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Australian Research Council Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Vivian Mendez
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia; (G.P.); (C.C.-V.); (J.G.O.); (P.W.T.); (V.M.)
- Australian Research Council Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
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Dong W, Dobler R, Dowling DK, Moussian B. The cuticle inward barrier in Drosophila melanogaster is shaped by mitochondrial and nuclear genotypes and a sex-specific effect of diet. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7802. [PMID: 31592352 PMCID: PMC6779114 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
An important role of the insect cuticle is to prevent wetting (i.e., permeation of water) and also to prevent penetration of potentially harmful substances. This barrier function mainly depends on the hydrophobic cuticle surface composed of lipids including cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). We investigated to what extent the cuticle inward barrier function depends on the genotype, comprising mitochondrial and nuclear genes in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and investigated the contribution of interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear genotypes (mito-nuclear interactions) on this function. In addition, we assessed the effects of nutrition and sex on the cuticle barrier function. Based on a dye penetration assay, we find that cuticle barrier function varies across three fly lines that were captured from geographically separated regions in three continents. Testing different combinations of mito-nuclear genotypes, we show that the inward barrier efficiency is modulated by the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes independently. We also find an interaction between diet and sex. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of cuticle inward barrier function in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralph Dobler
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Damian K. Dowling
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Applied Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS—Inserm, iBV, Parc Valrose, Nice, France
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Bosa CF, Cruz-López L, Guillén-Navarro K, Zepeda-Cisneros CS, Liedo P. Variation in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens males between strains and age classes. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 99:e21513. [PMID: 30387887 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) were characterized from wings of individual unmated males of different Anastrepha ludens (Loew) mass-reared strains of different ages (3 and 19-day-old): (a) a standard mass-reared colony (control), (b) a genetic sexing strain, (c) a selected strain, (d) a hybrid strain, and (e) wild males. We found that the hydrocarbon profiles in all males included two n-alkanes, five monomethyl alkanes, and two alkenes. CHCs ranged from C26 to C31 . The most prominent peaks were 2-methyloctacosane (2-Me-C28), n-nonacosene (C29:1), 2-methyltriacontane (2-Me-C30), and n-hentriacontene (C31:1). Significant variations in the CHC amounts of the mass-reared strains were observed from Day 9 and thereafter. Comparison of CHCs using multivariate and canonical analyses across ages and among mass-reared strains and wild males revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. The relative amounts of C29:1 and 2-Me-C30 were significantly higher across age groups in the mass-reared strains than those in the wild males. In contrast, amounts of n-nonacosane (C29) significantly increased in wild males as they aged. Through statistical analyses, we inferred that CHC amounts vary with age. Wild males differed significantly from the mass-reared strains in the amount of C29, and the genetic sexing strain Tap-7 had significantly higher values for 2-methylhexacosane (2-Me-C26). In contrast the selected and control strain differed from the other strains in amounts of C29:1 and 2-Me-C30. We suggest that differential profiles in hydrocarbon composition among the strains may be mainly due to environmental pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos-Felipe Bosa
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, Tapachula, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, Tapachula, Mexico
| | | | | | - Pablo Liedo
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, Tapachula, Mexico
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13
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Berson JD, Simmons LW. A costly chemical trait: phenotypic condition dependence of cuticular hydrocarbons in a dung beetle. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1772-1781. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob D. Berson
- School of Biological Sciences Centre for Evolutionary Biology The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
| | - Leigh W. Simmons
- School of Biological Sciences Centre for Evolutionary Biology The University of Western Australia Crawley WA Australia
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14
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Iglesias PP, Soto EM, Soto IM, Colines B, Hasson E. The influence of developmental environment on courtship song in cactophilicDrosophila. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:957-967. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia P. Iglesias
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA); CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Eduardo M. Soto
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA); CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Ignacio M. Soto
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA); CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Betina Colines
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA); CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Esteban Hasson
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA); CONICET; Universidad de Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
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15
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Otte T, Hilker M, Geiselhardt S. Phenotypic Plasticity of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles in Insects. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:235-247. [PMID: 29468480 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The insect integument is covered by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) which provide protection against environmental stresses, but are also used for communication. Here we review current knowledge on environmental and insect-internal factors which shape phenotypic plasticity of solitary living insects, especially herbivorous ones. We address the dynamics of changes which may occur within minutes, but may also last weeks, depending on the species and conditions. Two different modes of changes are suggested, i.e. stepwise and gradual. A switch between two distinct environments (e.g. host plant switch by phytophagous insects) results in stepwise formation of two distinct adaptive phenotypes, while a gradual environmental change (e.g. temperature gradients) induces a gradual change of numerous adaptive CHC phenotypes. We further discuss the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenotypic plasticity of insect CHC profiles by addressing the question at which conditions is CHC phenotypic plasticity beneficial. The high plasticity of CHC profiles might be a trade-off for insects using CHCs for communication. We discuss how insects cope with the challenge to produce and "understand" a highly plastic, environmentally dependent CHC pattern that conveys reliable and comprehensible information. Finally, we outline how phenotypic plasticity of CHC profiles may promote speciation in insects that rely on CHCs for mate recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otte
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geiselhardt
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany.
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16
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Warren JA, Ratnasekera TDP, Campbell DA, Anderson GS. Hyperspectral measurements of immature Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) raised on different food substrates. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192786. [PMID: 29438393 PMCID: PMC5811036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immature Lucilia sericata (Meigen) raised on beef liver, beef heart, pork liver and pork heart at a mean temperature of 20.6°C took a minimum of 20 days to complete development. Minimum development time differences within stages were observed between the meat types (pork/beef), but not the organ types (liver/heart). Daily hyperspectral measurements were conducted and a functional regression was completed to examine the main effects of meat and organ type on daily spectral measurements. The model examined post feeding larval spectral measurements of insects raised on beef liver alone, the effect of those raised on pork compared with those raised on beef, the effect of those raised on heart compared with those raised on liver and the interactional effect of those raised on pork heart compared with those raised on beef liver. The analyses indicated that the spectral measurements of post feeding L. sericata raised on pork and beef organs (liver and heart) are affected by the meat and organ type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie A. Warren
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - David A. Campbell
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Gail S. Anderson
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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17
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Menzel F, Blaimer BB, Schmitt T. How do cuticular hydrocarbons evolve? Physiological constraints and climatic and biotic selection pressures act on a complex functional trait. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.1727. [PMID: 28298343 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) cover the cuticles of virtually all insects, serving as a waterproofing agent and as a communication signal. The causes for the high CHC variation between species, and the factors influencing CHC profiles, are scarcely understood. Here, we compare CHC profiles of ant species from seven biogeographic regions, searching for physiological constraints and for climatic and biotic selection pressures. Molecule length constrained CHC composition: long-chain profiles contained fewer linear alkanes, but more hydrocarbons with disruptive features in the molecule. This is probably owing to selection on the physiology to build a semi-fluid cuticular layer, which is necessary for waterproofing and communication. CHC composition also depended on the precipitation in the ants' habitats. Species from wet climates had more alkenes and fewer dimethyl alkanes than those from drier habitats, which can be explained by different waterproofing capacities of these compounds. By contrast, temperature did not affect CHC composition. Mutualistically associated (parabiotic) species possessed profiles highly distinct from non-associated species. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first to show systematic impacts of physiological, climatic and biotic factors on quantitative CHC composition across a global, multi-species dataset. We demonstrate how they jointly shape CHC profiles, and advance our understanding of the evolution of this complex functional trait in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Menzel
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Mainz, Johannes-von-Müller-Weg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Bonnie B Blaimer
- Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Thomas Schmitt
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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18
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Müller T, Prosche A, Müller C. Sublethal insecticide exposure affects reproduction, chemical phenotype as well as offspring development and antennae symmetry of a leaf beetle. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:709-717. [PMID: 28719883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The area of agriculturally used land and following to that the use of pesticides are steadily increasing. Insecticides do not only reduce pest organisms on crops but can also affect non-target organisms when present in sublethal concentrations in the environment. We investigated the effects of an exposure to sublethal pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin) concentrations, at doses 20 and 60 times lower than the LC50, respectively, on reproductive traits and adult cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of a leaf beetle (Phaedon cochleariae Fabricius). Furthermore, we tested for effects on growth and antennae symmetry of the offspring generation that was not exposed to the insecticide. Sublethal insecticide concentrations decreased the egg number produced by the adults and the hatching rate. Moreover, the chemical phenotype (CHC profile) of adults was altered in dependence of the insecticide treatment, with sex-specific effects. In the unexposed offspring of insecticide-exposed parents, a prolonged development time and a fluctuating asymmetry of the females' antennae were detected, revealing transgenerational effects. The insecticide effects on the CHC profiles of the parental generation might have been caused by changes in CHC precursors, which were potentially induced by the insecticide treatment of the insect diet. Such altered CHC pattern may have implications for intraspecific communication, e.g., in mate choice, as well as in an interspecific way, e.g., in interactions with other arthropod species. The observed detrimental transgenerational effects might be explainable by a reduced investment in the offspring, maternal transfer or epigenetic processes. An asymmetry of the antennae may lead to defects in the reception of chemical signals. In conclusion, the results disclose that, besides detrimental (transgenerational) effects on reproduction and development, an exposure to sublethal insecticide concentrations can impair the chemical communication between individuals, with impacts on the sender (i.e., the CHC profile) and the receiver (i.e., caused by asymmetry of the antennae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Alexander Prosche
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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19
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Starčević K, Gavrilović A, Gottstein Ž, Mašek T. Influence of substitution of sunflower oil by different oils on the growth, survival rate and fatty acid composition of Jamaican field cricket ( Gryllus assimilis ). Anim Feed Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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20
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Erbilgin N, Cale JA, Hussain A, Ishangulyyeva G, Klutsch JG, Najar A, Zhao S. Weathering the storm: how lodgepole pine trees survive mountain pine beetle outbreaks. Oecologia 2017; 184:469-478. [PMID: 28421324 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3865-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent mountain pine beetle outbreaks in western North America killed millions of lodgepole pine trees, leaving few survivors. However, the mechanism underlying the ability of trees to survive bark beetle outbreaks is unknown, but likely involve phytochemicals such as monoterpenes and fatty acids that can drive beetle aggregation and colonization on their hosts. Thus, we conducted a field survey of beetle-resistant lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) trees to retrospectively deduce whether these phytochemicals underlie their survival by comparing their chemistry to that of non-attacked trees in the same stands. We also compared beetle attack characteristics between resistant and beetle-killed trees. Beetle-killed trees had more beetle attacks and longer ovipositional galleries than resistant trees, which also lacked the larval establishment found in beetle-killed trees. Resistant trees contained high amounts of toxic and attraction-inhibitive compounds and low amounts of pheromone-precursor and synergist compounds. During beetle host aggregation and colonization, these compounds likely served three critical roles in tree survival. First, low amounts of pheromone-precursor (α-pinene) and synergist (mycrene, terpinolene) compounds reduced or prevented beetles from attracting conspecifics to residual trees. Second, high amounts of 4-allyanisole further inhibited beetle attraction to its pheromone. Finally, high amounts of toxic limonene, 3-carene, 4-allyanisole, α-linolenic acid, and linoleic acid inhibited beetle gallery establishment and oviposition. We conclude that the variation of chemotypic expression of local plant populations can have profound ecological consequences including survival during insect outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir Erbilgin
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada.
| | - Jonathan A Cale
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Altaf Hussain
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Guncha Ishangulyyeva
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Jennifer G Klutsch
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Ahmed Najar
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Shiyang Zhao
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, 442 Earth Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
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21
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Effects of larval versus adult density conditions on reproduction and behavior of a leaf beetle. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Fatty Acid Composition of Novel Host Jack Pine Do Not Prevent Host Acceptance and Colonization by the Invasive Mountain Pine Beetle and Its Symbiotic Fungus. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162046. [PMID: 27583820 PMCID: PMC5008764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are major components of plant lipids and can affect growth and development of insect herbivores. Despite a large literature examining the roles of fatty acids in conifers, relatively few studies have tested the effects of fatty acids on insect herbivores and their microbial symbionts. Particularly, whether fatty acids can affect the suitability of conifers for insect herbivores has never been studied before. Thus, we evaluated if composition of fatty acids impede or facilitate colonization of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) by the invasive mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and its symbiotic fungus (Grosmannia clavigera). This is the first study to examine the effects of tree fatty acids on any bark beetle species and its symbiotic fungus. In a novel bioassay, we found that plant tissues (hosts and non-host) amended with synthetic fatty acids at concentrations representative of jack pine were compatible with beetle larvae. Likewise, G. clavigera grew in media amended with lipid fractions or synthetic fatty acids at concentrations present in jack pine. In contrast, fatty acids and lipid composition of a non-host were not suitable for the beetle larvae or the fungus. Apparently, concentrations of individual, rather than total, fatty acids determined the suitability of jack pine. Furthermore, sampling of host and non-host tree species across Canada demonstrated that the composition of jack pine fatty acids was similar to the different populations of beetle's historical hosts. These results demonstrate that fatty acids composition compatible with insect herbivores and their microbial symbionts can be important factor defining host suitability to invasive insects.
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Otte T, Hilker M, Geiselhardt S. Phenotypic plasticity of mate recognition systems prevents sexual interference between two sympatric leaf beetle species. Evolution 2016; 70:1819-28. [PMID: 27272669 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Maladaptive sexual interactions among heterospecific individuals (sexual interference) can prevent the coexistence of animal species. Thus, the avoidance of sexual interference by divergence of mate recognition systems is crucial for a stable coexistence in sympatry. Mate recognition systems are thought to be under tight genetic control. However, we demonstrate that mate recognition systems of two closely related sympatric leaf beetle species show a high level of host-induced phenotypic plasticity. Mate choice in the mustard leaf beetles, Phaedon cochleariae and P. armoraciae, is mediated by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). Divergent host plant use causes a divergence of CHC phenotypes, whereas similar host use leads to their convergence. Consequently, both species exhibit significant behavioral isolation when they feed on alternative host species, but mate randomly when using a common host. Thus, sexual interference between these syntopic leaf beetles is prevented by host-induced phenotypic plasticity rather than by genotypic divergence of mate recognition systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Otte
- Institute of Biology, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Street 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Street 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Geiselhardt
- Institute of Biology, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Haderslebener Street 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Müller T, Müller C. Adult beetles compensate for poor larval food conditions. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 88:24-32. [PMID: 26906247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Life history traits of herbivores are highly influenced by the quality of their hosts, i.e., the composition of primary and secondary plant metabolites. In holometabolous insects, larvae and adults may face different host plants, which differ in quality. It has been hypothesised that adult fitness is either highest when larval and adult environmental conditions match (environmental matching) or it may be mainly determined by optimal larval conditions (silver spoon effect). Alternatively, the adult stage may be most decisive for the actual fitness, independent of larval food exposure, due to adult compensation ability. To determine the influence of constant versus changing larval and adult host plant experiences on growth performance, fitness and feeding preferences, we carried out a match-mismatch experiment using the mustard leaf beetle, Phaedon cochleariae. Larvae and adults were either constantly reared on watercress (natural host) or cabbage (crop plant) or were switched after metamorphosis to the other host. Growth, reproductive traits and feeding preferences were determined repeatedly over lifetime and host plant quality traits analysed. Differences in the host quality led to differences in the development time and female reproduction. Egg numbers were significantly influenced by the host plant species experienced by the adults. Thus, adults were able to compensate for poor larval conditions. Likewise, the current host experience was most decisive for feeding preferences; in adult beetles a feeding preference was shaped regardless of the larval host plant. Larvae or adults reared on the more nutritious host, cabbage, showed a higher preference for this host. Hence, beetles most likely develop a preference when gaining a direct positive feedback in terms of an improved performance, whereby the current experience matters the most. Highly nutritious crop plants may be, in consequence, all the more exploited by potential pests that may show a high plasticity in reproduction and feeding preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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25
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Müller T, Müller C. Consequences of mating with siblings and nonsiblings on the reproductive success in a leaf beetle. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:3185-97. [PMID: 27103986 PMCID: PMC4829044 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Choosing a suitable mating partner is crucial for the fitness of an individual, whereby mating with siblings often results in inbreeding depression. We studied consequences of mating with siblings versus nonsiblings in the mustard leaf beetle, Phaedon cochleariae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on lifetime reproductive traits. Furthermore, we analyzed whether cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles are family specific and could potentially influence the mating behavior of young adults. We hypothesized a reduced reproductive success of females mated with siblings and a more rapid mating of males with nonsiblings. The hatching rate from eggs of sibling pairs was lower compared to that of nonsibling pairs, pointing to inbreeding depression. Furthermore, the number of eggs laid by females decreased over time in both sibling and nonsibling pairs. Interestingly, the CHC profiles and the body mass differed between families. However, the beetles did not avoid siblings and accepted them as readily as nonsiblings for mating in no‐choice tests. In summary, although it had negative consequences to mate a sibling and although siblings could potentially be recognized by their CHC profiles, the beetles did not show a delayed mating with siblings. Our results indicate that P. cochleariae beetles have not developed a precopulatory mechanism to avoid inbreeding, at least under the test conditions applied here. We predict that instead a polyandrous mating system and/or postcopulatory mechanisms might have evolved in this species by which inbreeding costs can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorben Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology Bielefeld University Universitätsstr. 25 33615 Bielefeld Germany
| | - Caroline Müller
- Department of Chemical Ecology Bielefeld University Universitätsstr. 25 33615 Bielefeld Germany
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26
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Pavković-Lučić S, Todosijević M, Savić T, Vajs V, Trajković J, Anđelković B, Lučić L, Krstić G, Makarov S, Tomić V, Miličić D, Vujisić L. 'Does my Diet Affect my Perfume?' Identification and Quantification of Cuticular Compounds in Five Drosophila melanogaster Strains Maintained over 300 Generations on Different Diets. Chem Biodivers 2016; 13:224-32. [PMID: 26880435 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201500064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in Drosophila melanogaster represent the basis of chemical communication being involved in many important biological functions. The aim of this study was to characterize chemical composition and variation of cuticular profiles in five D. melanogaster strains. These strains were reared for approximately 300 generations on five diets: standard cornmeal medium and substrates prepared with apple, banana, tomato, and carrot. Differences in quantity and/or quality in CHCs were assumed as a result of activation of different metabolic pathways involved in food digestion and adaptations to the particular diet type. In total, independently of sex and strain, 66 chemical compounds were identified. In females of all strains, 60 compounds were identified, while, in males, 47 compounds were extracted. Certain new chemical compounds for D. melanogaster were found. MANOVA confirmed that CHC amounts significantly depend on sex and substrates, as well as on their interactions. Discriminant analysis revealed that flies belonging to 'apple' and 'carrot' strains exhibited the most noticeable differences in CHC repertoires. A non-hydrocarbon pheromone, cis-vaccenyl acetate (cVA) also contributed to the variation in the pheromone bouquet among the strains. Variability detected in CHCs and cVA may be used in the explanation of differences in mating behaviour previously determined in analyzed fly strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Todosijević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Tatjana Savić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', Despota Stefana Blvd. 142, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Vlatka Vajs
- University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, Njegoševa 12, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Jelena Trajković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković', Despota Stefana Blvd. 142, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Boban Anđelković
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Luka Lučić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Gordana Krstić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Slobodan Makarov
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Vladimir Tomić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Dragana Miličić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade
| | - Ljubodrag Vujisić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, RS-11000 Belgrade
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Ishangulyyeva G, Najar A, Curtis JM, Erbilgin N. Fatty Acid Composition of Novel Host Jack Pine Do Not Prevent Host Acceptance and Colonization by the Invasive Mountain Pine Beetle and Its Symbiotic Fungus. PLoS One 2016. [PMID: 27583820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.016204610.7939/dvn/10836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are major components of plant lipids and can affect growth and development of insect herbivores. Despite a large literature examining the roles of fatty acids in conifers, relatively few studies have tested the effects of fatty acids on insect herbivores and their microbial symbionts. Particularly, whether fatty acids can affect the suitability of conifers for insect herbivores has never been studied before. Thus, we evaluated if composition of fatty acids impede or facilitate colonization of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) by the invasive mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and its symbiotic fungus (Grosmannia clavigera). This is the first study to examine the effects of tree fatty acids on any bark beetle species and its symbiotic fungus. In a novel bioassay, we found that plant tissues (hosts and non-host) amended with synthetic fatty acids at concentrations representative of jack pine were compatible with beetle larvae. Likewise, G. clavigera grew in media amended with lipid fractions or synthetic fatty acids at concentrations present in jack pine. In contrast, fatty acids and lipid composition of a non-host were not suitable for the beetle larvae or the fungus. Apparently, concentrations of individual, rather than total, fatty acids determined the suitability of jack pine. Furthermore, sampling of host and non-host tree species across Canada demonstrated that the composition of jack pine fatty acids was similar to the different populations of beetle's historical hosts. These results demonstrate that fatty acids composition compatible with insect herbivores and their microbial symbionts can be important factor defining host suitability to invasive insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guncha Ishangulyyeva
- Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E3, Canada
| | - Ahmed Najar
- Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E3, Canada
| | - Jonathan M Curtis
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Sciences, 3-60D South Academic Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2P5, Canada
| | - Nadir Erbilgin
- Department of Renewable Resources, 4-42 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G2E3, Canada
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