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Bégué L, Tschirren N, Peignier M, Szabo B, Ringler E. Behavioural consistency across metamorphosis in a neotropical poison frog. Evol Ecol 2023; 38:157-174. [PMID: 38989472 PMCID: PMC7616151 DOI: 10.1007/s10682-023-10274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Animals often show consistency in their behavioural repertoire across time and/or contexts that differs from other individuals of the same population, i.e. animal personality. We currently have quite an incomplete understanding of the factors that lead to behavioural traits remaining stable - or becoming decoupled - over an animal's lifetime. In this study, we investigated the role of metamorphosis in the development of animal personality in a Neotropical poison frog, a species that undergoes drastic morphological and ecological changes during its development. We used lab-reared individuals of the brilliant-thighed poison frog Allobates femoralis to assess if consistent individual differences are already present at the tadpole stage, and if these differences are maintained throughout metamorphosis. We found evidence for two personality traits, exploration and boldness, already present in A. femoralis tadpoles. Despite the drastic changes in morphology, physiology, and habitat in the transition from tadpoles to metamorphs, personality traits persisted throughout metamorphosis, suggesting a physiological and/or genetic basis for the measured behavioural traits. We also found that exploration and boldness related behaviours were correlated with growth speed. Very bold and explorative individuals took fewer days until metamorphosis compared to very shy and non-explorative ones, which is in line with the concept of a Pace-of-Life Syndrome. These findings provide important insights into the proximate mechanisms that generate personality in species with complex life cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Bégué
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern3032, Switzerland
| | - Noëlle Tschirren
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern3032, Switzerland
| | - Mélissa Peignier
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern3032, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Szabo
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern3032, Switzerland
| | - Eva Ringler
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern3032, Switzerland
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Costs and benefits of isolation from siblings during family life in adult earwigs. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Reproductive Isolation in the Cryptic Species Complex of a Key Pest: Analysis of Mating and Rejection Behaviour of Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030396. [PMID: 35336770 PMCID: PMC8945011 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), which is a key pest worldwide, includes three characteristic, distinct groups (i.e., lineages) under the same species name. In the current report, we addressed the question of whether individuals from these lineages recognize and assess each other as potential mating partners. We demonstrated that at least two of these lineages do not belong to the same species, since under our laboratory conditions no mating occurred between them. Moreover, specimens from these cross pairings often exhibited an escape response upon contact with the other thrips, while most of the pairs from the same lineages readily mated at their first interaction. The behaviour of males clearly indicated that they can assess the mating status of a female and usually only try to copulate with virgins. Our findings are important not only because in agriculture it is vital to know whether morphologically similar entities belong to the same species, but also because knowledge about the communication of insects and the possible role of the cues involved can help the development of new plant protection techniques. Abstract Thrips tabaci Lindeman is a serious pest of various cultivated plants, with three, distinct lineages within a cryptic species complex. Despite the well-known significance of this pest, many attributes of these lineages are not yet fully understood, including their reproductive behaviour. We performed no-choice-design cross-mating experiments under a controlled laboratory environment with virgin adult individuals from all three lineages. The behaviour of thrips was recorded with a camera mounted on a stereomicroscope, and the recordings were analysed in detail. We found that the so-called leek-associated lineages of this cryptic species complex are reproductively isolated from the tobacco-associated lineage; therefore, they represent different species. Divergence in the behaviour of conspecific and heterospecific pairs became evident only after contact. There were no marked differences between the lineages in their precopulatory and copulatory behaviour, except in the duration of the latter. We confirmed mating between thelytokous females and arrhenotokous males; however, we assume some form of loss of function in the sexual traits of asexual females. The post-mating behaviour of males indicated the presence and role of an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone. We also demonstrated differences between lineages regarding their activity and their propensity for exhibiting an escape response upon interaction with heterospecific thrips.
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Silva ACG, Silva-Torres CSA, Nascimento DV, Torres JB. Sexual maturity, lack of partner choice and sperm precedence in the promiscuous ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar): Who is my father? Behav Processes 2021; 192:104500. [PMID: 34509563 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ladybird beetles present as key predator of many agricultural pests. Among them, Eriopis connexa stands out due some important traits for pest management programs such as common occurrence, population selected for resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, and possibility to be commercially available by rearing using alternative prey. Despite that, little is known about the role of polyandry and its effect on paternity in this species. Ladybird beetles engage in multiple matings, raising questions about the benefits of polyandry and paternity. We studied the selection of mating pair, sperm precedence, and offspring paternity by performing experiments on (1) the age of sexual maturity, (2) the frequency and refractory mating behavior within a photophase period, (3) the preference of insecticide-susceptible females to mate with either susceptible or resistant male phenotypes; and (4) the effect of multiple matings, on progeny paternity. Sexual maturity in E. connexa was found to begin within 3 days of adult emergence for both sexes, but fully developed after 5 days. The highest frequency of mating exhibited by sexual mature pairs occurred within first hour of pairing and the phenotype for insecticide resistance did not affect the choice of a mating partner. The resistance trait marker in the resistant beetle phenotype indicates that progeny paternity results from a mixture of available sperm and do not depend on mating order. These data suggest that released beetles would have a simple prospect for progeny production for both insecticide resistant and susceptible beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra C G Silva
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Christian S A Silva-Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Deividy V Nascimento
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Jorge B Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia - Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Bernardes RC, Lima MAP, Guedes RNC, da Silva CB, Martins GF. Ethoflow: Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence-Based Software for Automatic Behavior Analysis. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:3237. [PMID: 34067084 PMCID: PMC8124799 DOI: 10.3390/s21093237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Manual monitoring of animal behavior is time-consuming and prone to bias. An alternative to such limitations is using computational resources in behavioral assessments, such as tracking systems, to facilitate accurate and long-term evaluations. There is a demand for robust software that addresses analysis in heterogeneous environments (such as in field conditions) and evaluates multiple individuals in groups while maintaining their identities. The Ethoflow software was developed using computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to monitor various behavioral parameters automatically. An object detection algorithm based on instance segmentation was implemented, allowing behavior monitoring in the field under heterogeneous environments. Moreover, a convolutional neural network was implemented to assess complex behaviors expanding behavior analyses' possibilities. The heuristics used to generate training data for the AI models automatically are described, and the models trained with these datasets exhibited high accuracy in detecting individuals in heterogeneous environments and assessing complex behavior. Ethoflow was employed for kinematic assessments and to detect trophallaxis in social bees. The software was developed in desktop applications and had a graphical user interface. In the Ethoflow algorithm, the processing with AI is separate from the other modules, facilitating measurements on an ordinary computer and complex behavior assessing on machines with graphics processing units. Ethoflow is a useful support tool for applications in biology and related fields.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Clíssia Barboza da Silva
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Environment, University of São Paulo-Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, 303 Centenário Avenue, Piracicaba 13416-000, SP, Brazil;
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Gandra LC, Amaral KD, Couceiro JC, Guedes RN, Della Lucia TM. Does resource-mediated stress affect colony personality in leaf-cutting ants? PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2021; 77:96-103. [PMID: 32770614 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6033] [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: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. In social insects, little is known about the interplay between colony personality and colony foraging. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of the leaf-cutting ants Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus and Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a toxic substrate, nasturtium leaves [Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae)], with potential as a management tool against these pest species. The association between colony behavioral traits and fungus garden growth was also examined, and thus the efficacy of the colony suppression. RESULTS Behavioral variation was higher between colonies than between subspecies. Behavioral traits were correlated before and after exposure to resource-mediated stress in both subspecies, indicating the existence of behavioral syndrome. The dimensions that contributed most to colony personality (activity, aggressiveness, and boldness) are directly related to colony resource searching and foraging. However, these dimensions diverged in their contribution before and after exposure to nasturtium. Colony activity was the major determinant of fungus garden growth, which is probably a consequence of its relationship with foraging behaviors and maintenance of the fungus garden. CONCLUSION As the personality of a colony is unequally defined by its constituent castes, the relationship and network of interactions are determinants of foraging behaviors with relevant consequences for colony suppression using toxic foraging substrates that impair these relationships and interactions, as nasturtium leaves do. Therefore, it is plausible to say that resource-mediated stress affects colonies personality exhibiting control potential against these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lailla C Gandra
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa - Campus Florestal, Florestal, Brazil
| | - Karina D Amaral
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Joel C Couceiro
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Raul Nc Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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Urbanisation and sex affect the consistency of butterfly personality across metamorphosis. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2616-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Koenig AM, Ousterhout BH. Behavioral syndrome persists over metamorphosis in a pond-breeding amphibian. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Luna RF, Bestete LR, Torres JB, da Silva-Torres CSA. Predation and behavioral changes in the neotropical lacewing Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:689-702. [PMID: 29797169 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1949-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroid insecticides are widely recommended against various defoliating pest species, but usually lack efficacy against sucking pests such as aphids, which are preferred prey of lacewing larvae. Interaction of pyrethroids and lacewings are likely to occur in fields infested by both defoliating and sap-sucking pests and should provide a complementary control. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate dose-mortality curves and behavioral changes by Chrysoperla externa exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. We tested the susceptibility of two populations from different locations and insecticide history exposure through topical application. Based on the LD50-calculated, the population exhibiting the greater LD50 was exposed to resistance enhancement (Sel) by treating larvae once for seven successive generations. The population with lower LD50 was kept without selection (Nsel). Subsequently, walking, predation and oviposition behavioral after exposure to dried insecticide residues were investigated. After seven generations with insecticide selection, the resistance rations between Sel and Nsel populations were 5.85- and 9.37-fold higher for larvae and 3.38- and 2.75-fold higher for adults, respectively. Selected females caged in partially treated arenas laid similar eggs number on both treated and untreated surfaces, while Nsel females laid fewer eggs on treated surfaces. Insecticide repellency was not observed in either population, although irritability was observed for Nsel larvae. Selected larvae confined on fully and partially treated surfaces walked further, for a longer time, and with greater speeds compared to Nsel larvae. Furthermore, Sel and Nsel larvae had reduced predation rates when confined on treated surfaces, and Nsel larvae consumed less prey than Sel larvae. Results indicate changes in susceptibility, behavior, and predation rate of C. externa following exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Fernando Luna
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Luziani Rezende Bestete
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Jorge Braz Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia-Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
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Amat I, Desouhant E, Gomes E, Moreau J, Monceau K. Insect personality: what can we learn from metamorphosis? CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2018; 27:46-51. [PMID: 30025634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ontogeny of animal personality is still an open question. Testing whether personality traits correlated with state variables (e.g. metabolic rate, hormones) and/or life history traits, and which ones are involved, requires more empirical studies. Insects with metamorphosis represent a good opportunity to tackle this question. Because of the various degrees of internal (physiological, nervous) and environmental changes linked to metamorphosis they allow testing whether these modifications drive consistency in personality traits between immature and adult stages. In this review, we establish general predictions for the effects of metamorphosis on personality in insects with complete or incomplete metamorphosis and suffering from a strong or weak niche shift after metamorphosis. We then reviewed the still rare empirical literature and discuss future research axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Amat
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Emmanuel Desouhant
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Elisa Gomes
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jérôme Moreau
- UMR CNRS 6282 Biogéosciences, Equipe Ecologie Evolutive, Université de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Karine Monceau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 CNRS, Université de la Rochelle, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
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D'Ávila VA, Reis LC, Barbosa WF, Cutler GC, Torres JB, Guedes RNC. Prey Foraging Under Sublethal Lambda-Cyhalothrin Exposure on Pyrethroid-Susceptible and -Resistant Lady Beetles (Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae)). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 111:1042-1047. [PMID: 29474651 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sublethal insecticide exposure may affect foraging of insects, including natural enemies, although the subject is usually neglected. The lady beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar, 1824) (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) is an important predator of aphids with existing pyrethroid-resistant populations that are undergoing scrutiny for potential use in pest management systems characterized by frequent insecticide use. However, the potential effect of sublethal pyrethroid exposure on this predator's foraging activity has not yet been assessed and may compromise its use in biological control. Therefore, our objective was to assess the effect of sublethal lambda-cyhalothrin exposure on three components of the prey foraging activity (i.e., walking, and prey searching and handling), in both pyrethroid-susceptible and -resistant adults of E. connexa. Both lady beetle populations exhibited similar walking patterns without insecticide exposure in noncontaminated arenas, but in partially contaminated arenas walking differed between strains, such that the resistant insects exhibited greater walking activity. Behavioral avoidance expressed as repellence to lambda-cyhalothrin was not observed for either the susceptible or resistant populations of E. connexa, but the insecticide caused avoidance by means of inducing irritability in 40% of the individuals, irrespective of the strain. Insects remained in the insecticide-contaminated portion of the arena for extended periods resulting in greater exposure. Although lambda-cyhalothrin exposure did not affect prey searching by susceptible lady beetles, prey searching was extended for exposed resistant predators. In contrast, prey handling was not affected by population or by lambda-cyhalothrin exposure. Thus, sublethal exposure to the insecticide in conjunction with the insect resistance profile can affect prey foraging with pyrethroid-exposed resistant predators exhibiting longer prey searching time associated with higher walking activity reducing its predatory performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A D'Ávila
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - L C Reis
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - W F Barbosa
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - G C Cutler
- Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - J B Torres
- Departamento de Agronomia, Setor de Entomologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - R N C Guedes
- Departamento de Entomologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
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Müller T, Müller C. Phenotype of a leaf beetle larva depends on host plant quality and previous test experience. Behav Processes 2017; 142:40-45. [PMID: 28552703 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic expressions of insects are strongly dependent on various external and internal factors, like diet or density and age or sex. However, environmental effects on the behavioural phenotype and repeatability are rather unexplored for holometabolous insects in their larval stage. We examined the effects of the food environment (young versus old cabbage leaves) and previous test experience on growth and behaviour of Phaedon cochleariae larvae. A more nutritious diet, i.e., young leaves, had beneficial consequences on larval growth. Contrary to findings on adults, the behaviour of larvae was neither consistent over time nor across contexts, thus larvae did not show personality. Furthermore, larval behaviour was shaped independent of the diet, pointing to a stage-dependent receptivity towards diet conditions in this species. Besides, larval activity was significantly influenced by former test experience, with naïve larvae being more active than previously tested larvae. In general, in insects memories in an olfactory or sexual behaviour context can lead to behavioural responses later in life. Mechanisms of memory-learning should be further explored in different contexts in insects. Overall, the present study reveals that growth-related traits are diet-dependent and that the activity of a holometabolous larva is shaped in dependence of its previous test experience.
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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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