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Davranoglou LR, Taylor GK, Mortimer B. Sexual selection and predation drive the repeated evolution of stridulation in Heteroptera and other arthropods. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:942-981. [PMID: 36787892 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic and substrate-borne vibrations are among the most widely used signalling modalities in animals. Arthropods display a staggering diversity of vibroacoustic organs generating acoustic sound and/or substrate-borne vibrations, and are fundamental to our broader understanding of the evolution of animal signalling. The primary mechanism that arthropods use to generate vibroacoustic signals is stridulation, which involves the rubbing together of opposing body parts. Although stridulation is common, its behavioural context and evolutionary drivers are often hard to pinpoint, owing to limited synthesis of empirical observations on stridulatory species. This is exacerbated by the diversity of mechanisms involved and the sparsity of their description in the literature, which renders their documentation a challenging task. Here, we present the most comprehensive review to date on the systematic distribution and behavioural context of stridulation. We use the megadiverse heteropteran insects as a model, together with multiple arthropod outgroups (arachnids, myriapods, and selected pancrustaceans). We find that stridulatory vibroacoustic signalling has evolved independently at least 84 times and is present in roughly 20% of Heteroptera, representing a remarkable case of convergent evolution. By studying the behavioural context of stridulation across Heteroptera and 189 outgroup lineages, we find that predation pressure and sexual selection are the main behaviours associated with stridulation across arthropods, adding further evidence for their role as drivers of large-scale signalling and morphological innovation in animals. Remarkably, the absence of tympanal ears in most Heteroptera suggests that they typically cannot detect the acoustic component of their stridulatory signals. This demonstrates that the adoption of new signalling modalities is not always correlated with the ability to perceive those signals, especially when these signals are directed towards interspecific receivers in defensive contexts. Furthermore, by mapping their morphology and systematic distribution, we show that stridulatory organs tend to evolve in specific body parts, likely originating from cleaning motions and pre-copulatory displays that are common to most arthropods. By synthesising our understanding of stridulation and stridulatory organs across major arthropod groups, we create the necessary framework for future studies to explore their systematic and behavioural significance, their potential role in sensory evolution and innovation, and the biomechanics of this mode of signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham K Taylor
- The John Krebs Field Station, University of Oxford, Wytham, Oxford, OX2 8QJ, UK
| | - Beth Mortimer
- The John Krebs Field Station, University of Oxford, Wytham, Oxford, OX2 8QJ, UK
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2
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Lins AH, Lira AF, DeSouza AM. Variations in defensive behaviors according to diel period and sex in a litter-dwelling harvestman Pseudopucrolia discrepans (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae). Biologia (Bratisl) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-023-01321-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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3
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Tuf IH, Ďurajková B. Antipredatory strategies of terrestrial isopods. Zookeys 2022; 1101:109-129. [PMID: 36760972 PMCID: PMC9848959 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1101.76266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) represent a widespread group of land Crustacea that have been able to successfully adapt to the terrestrial environment and occupy newly formed ecological niches. During the colonisation of land, they faced numerous challenges, including finding an effective way to avoid their new terrestrial predators. In response to predation pressure, they have developed various behavioural and morphological adaptations. These include tonic immobility, conglobation, clinging to the ground, releasing strongly acidic secretions, jumping, and efficient running away. Furthermore, terrestrial isopods can aggregate with other individuals, use stridulation, or change their typical activity time. Some of them also developed spiny tergites and aposematic colouration or posture. The majority of these strategies have not yet been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Hadrián Tuf
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicPalacký UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
| | - Barbora Ďurajková
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech RepublicPalacký UniversityOlomoucCzech Republic
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4
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Cáceres NC, Fluck IE. The hard task of a short-tailed mouse opossum (Monodelphis) to prey a harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones). IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2021014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite the great diversity of small insectivorous mammals and the use of scent gland secretions as a defense mechanism by harvestmen, there is no observation about the effectiveness of scent glands against predators such as small mammals. We report a remarkable harvestman defense mechanism against a small-mammal attack. When a harvestman and a mouse opossum confronted each other inside a cage, the harvestman knocked out the mouse opossum two sequential times before it could attack the harvestman. Although it is a unique observation and there is no information about its frequency in nature, this report stimulates the study of agonistic behavior between small, cryptic species, which are difficult to observe in the field.
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5
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Pekár S, García LF, Bulbert MW. Spiders mimic the acoustic signalling of mutillid wasps to avoid predation: startle signalling or Batesian mimicry? Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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6
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Leg loss decreases endurance and increases oxygen consumption during locomotion in harvestmen. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 207:257-268. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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7
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Corey TB, Hebets EA. Testing the hypothesized antipredator defence function of stridulation in the spiny orb-weaving spider, Micrathena gracilis. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Segovia JMG, Murayama GP, Willemart RH. Sexual differences in weaponry and defensive behavior in a neotropical harvestman. Curr Zool 2019; 65:553-558. [PMID: 31616486 PMCID: PMC6784509 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy073] [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: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual differences in morphology can evolve by sexual selection and/or natural selection. In some species, only males have morphological structures that are used as weapons. Since some weapons may also be used for defensive purposes, males and females may behave differently towards predators. In some species of harvestmen (Arachnida and Opiliones), males have sharp apophyses ("spines") on their 4th pair of legs whereas females lack them. Those apophyses are used in male-male fights and in antipredatory behaviors. The harvestmen antipredatory repertory also encompasses passive defenses such as thanatosis (death feigning), retaliation (attack on predators), and chemical defense. Due to the sexual differences on weaponry, we hypothesized that males and females of Mischonyx cuspidatus (Gonyleptidae) rely on different defensive strategies. We experimentally induced males and females to perform 3 defensive behaviors: thanatosis, pinching with legs, and chemical release. We predicted that females would engage more in passive and chemical defenses than males, whereas males would rely more on retaliation than females. As expected, females performed thanatosis more often than males. Likewise, males performed retaliation more often than females. We did not find differences in the rate of chemical defense use between the sexes. This study provides evidence that due to sexual dimorphism, alternative antipredatory behaviors may have been selected in the different sexes in M. cuspidatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio M G Segovia
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel P Murayama
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo H Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Lira AFA, Almeida FMF, Albuquerque CMR. Reaction under the risk of predation: effects of age and sexual plasticity on defensive behavior in scorpion Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones: Buthidae). J ETHOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-019-00615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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10
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Heethoff M, Brückner A, Schmelzle S, Schubert M, Bräuer M, Meusinger R, Dötterl S, Norton RA, Raspotnig G. Life as a fortress – structure, function, and adaptive values of morphological and chemical defense in the oribatid mite Euphthiracarus reticulatus (Actinotrichida). BMC ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-018-0031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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11
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Líznarová E, Sentenská L, Šťáhlavský F, Pekár S. Stridulation can suppress cannibalism in a specialised araneophagous predator. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-018-2541-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Townsend VR, Schaus MH, Zvonareva T, Illinik JJ, Evans JT. Leg injuries and wound repair among cosmetid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Laniatores). J Morphol 2016; 278:73-88. [PMID: 27862209 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies of leg injuries in harvestmen have focused on the fitness consequences for individuals that use autospasy (voluntary detachment of the leg) as a secondary defense mechanism. Leg damage among non-autotomizing species of laniatorean harvestmen has not been investigated. Under laboratory conditions, we damaged femur IV of Cynorta marginalis and observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the changes in these wounds over ten days. We also used SEM to examine leg damage from individuals of three species of cosmetid harvestmen that were collected in the field. On the basis of changes in the external surface of the hemolymph coagulum, we classified these wounds as fresh (coagulum forming), recent (coagulum with smooth surface), older (coagulum is scale-like with visible cell fragments), and fully healed (scale replaced by new cuticle growth on the terminal stump). Our observations indicate that wound healing in harvestmen occurs in a manner comparable to that of other chelicerates. Leg injuries exhibited interspecific variation with respect to the overall frequency of leg wounds and the specific legs that were most commonly damaged. In addition, we measured walking and climbing speeds of adult C. marginalis and found that individuals with fresh injuries (lab-induced) to femur IV walked at speeds significantly slower than uninjured adults or individuals collected from the field that had fully healed wounds to a single leg. J. Morphol. 278:73-88, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor R Townsend
- Department of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
| | - Maynard H Schaus
- Department of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
| | - Tatyana Zvonareva
- Department of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
| | - Jeffrey J Illinik
- Department of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
| | - John T Evans
- Department of Biology, Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
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13
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Albín A, Toscano-Gadea CA. Predation among armored arachnids: Bothriurus bonariensis (Scorpions, Bothriuridae) versus four species of harvestmen (Harvestmen, Gonyleptidae). Behav Processes 2015; 121:1-7. [PMID: 26470886 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural selection shapes prey-predator relationships and their behavioral adaptations, which seek to maximize capture success in the predator and avoidance in the prey. We tested the ability of adults of the scorpion Bothriurus bonariensis (Bothriuridae) to prey on synchronous and sympatric adults harvestmen of Acanthopachylus aculeatus, Discocyrtus prospicuus, Parampheres bimaculatus and Pachyloides thorellii (Gonyleptidae). In 72.5% of the cases B. bonariensis tried to prey on the harvestmen. The most successful captures occurred in the trials against A. aculeatus and D. prospicuus. In all the successful attacks the scorpions stung the prey between the chelicerae and consumed them, starting by the anterior portion of their bodies. The harvestmen used different defensive strategies such as fleeing before or after contact with the predator, exudating of chemical substances or staying still at the scorpion's touch. When scorpions contacted the chemical substances secreted by the harvestmen, they immediately rubbed the affected appendix against the substrate. However, exudating of chemical substances did not prevent, in any case, predation on the harvestmen. This is the first study showing the ability of scorpions to prey on different species of harvestmen, as well as the capture and defensive behaviors used by the predator and the prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Albín
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11.600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos A Toscano-Gadea
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11.600 Montevideo, Uruguay.
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14
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Segovia JMG, Hara MR, Pagoti GF, Sannomiya M, Santos DYAC, Willemart RH. The Scent Glands of the Neotropical Harvestman Discocyrtus pectnifemur: Morphology, Behavior and Chemistry. J Chem Ecol 2015; 41:716-23. [PMID: 26271673 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Harvestmen have a pair of scent glands that open through ozopores. The literature suggests a link between the morphology of the ozopore area and the emission of a defensive secretion. A previous study on a species that aggregates in open areas, where individuals are probably more easily spotted by predators, showed that this defensive secretion causes conspecifics to flee. However, it is unknown whether this behavior occurs in species that aggregate in sheltered areas, where prey are harder to find. Herein, we describe the morphology of the ozopore area, the mode of emission of the defensive secretion, and its chemical composition in the harvestman Discocyrtus pectinifemur. We also tested if the defensive secretion is used as an alarm pheromone. We found that D. pectinifemur releases the defensive secretion in different ways, one of them being as a jet. Emission as a jet contrasts with that known for all congeners previously studied, and is in accord with the expected morphology of the ozopore. We found that the defensive secretion of D. pectinifemur does not function as an alarm pheromone. The composition of the defensive secretion, a mixture of quinones, is congruent with those already described for the clade that includes Discocyrtus. Our results support the link between the morphology of the scent glands area and the emission behavior of the defensive secretion, and they suggest that the alarm pheromone function in harvestmen may be dependent on ecological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio M G Segovia
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Ryotaro Hara
- Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ferreira Pagoti
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Miriam Sannomiya
- Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Deborah Y A C Santos
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 277, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Raspotnig G, Bodner M, Schäffer S, Koblmüller S, Schönhofer A, Karaman I. Chemosystematics in the Opiliones (Arachnida): a comment on the evolutionary history of alkylphenols and benzoquinones in the scent gland secretions of Laniatores. Cladistics 2015; 31:202-209. [PMID: 26074662 PMCID: PMC4459239 DOI: 10.1111/cla.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Large prosomal scent glands constitute a major synapomorphic character of the arachnid order Opiliones. These glands produce a variety of chemicals very specific to opilionid taxa of different taxonomic levels, and thus represent a model system to investigate the evolutionary traits in exocrine secretion chemistry across a phylogenetically old group of animals. The chemically best-studied opilionid group is certainly Laniatores, and currently available chemical data allow first hypotheses linking the phylogeny of this group to the evolution of major chemical classes of secretion chemistry. Such hypotheses are essential to decide upon a best-fitting explanation of the distribution of scent-gland secretion compounds across extant laniatorean taxa, and hence represent a key toward a well-founded opilionid chemosystematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria ; Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children's Hospital Auenbruggerplatz 30, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Michaela Bodner
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Sylvia Schäffer
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Stephan Koblmüller
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Axel Schönhofer
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University Johannes-von-Müller-Weg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ivo Karaman
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Novi Sad Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 2100, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Segovia JM, Del-Claro K, Willemart RH. Delicate fangs, smart killing: the predation strategy of the recluse spider. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Raspotnig G, Schaider M, Föttinger P, Leutgeb V, Komposch C. Benzoquinones from scent glands of phalangiid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Eupnoi): a lesson from Rilaena triangularis. CHEMOECOLOGY 2014; 25:63-72. [PMID: 25774074 PMCID: PMC4353884 DOI: 10.1007/s00049-014-0177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In case of disturbance, the phalangiine harvestman Rilaena triangularis (Eupnoi, Phalangiidae) emits a directed jet from large prosomal scent ("defensive") glands. The pungent-smelling secretion was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to contain mainly 1,4-benzoquinone along with 1,4-naphthoquinone and caprylic (=octanoic) acid. While various alkylated benzoquinones are characteristic for the scent gland secretions of many grassatorean Laniatores, this is the first incidence of benzoquinone-based chemical defense in palpatorean harvestmen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children’s Hospital, Auenbruggerplatz 30, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Miriam Schaider
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Föttinger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Leutgeb
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Komposch
- Institute of Animal Ecology and Landscape Planning, ÖKOTEAM, Bergmanngasse 22, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Coutinho C, Ayres-Peres L, Araujo PB, Jara CG, Santos S. Thanatosis in freshwater anomurans (Decapoda: Aeglidae). J NAT HIST 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2013.807949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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19
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Rocha DFO, Wouters FC, Zampieri DS, Brocksom TJ, Machado G, Marsaioli AJ. Harvestman phenols and benzoquinones: characterisation and biosynthetic pathway. Molecules 2013; 18:11429-51. [PMID: 24043140 PMCID: PMC6270637 DOI: 10.3390/molecules180911429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzoquinones are usually present in arthropod defence exudates. Here, we describe the chemical profiles of 12 harvestman species belonging to the neotropical family Gonyleptidae. Nine of the studied species produced benzoquinones, while three produced alkyl phenols. Two benzoquinones and one phenol exhibited biological activity against bacteria and fungi. We also studied the biosynthesis of 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone by feeding Magnispina neptunus individuals with ¹³C-labelled precursors; the benzoquinones were biosynthesised through a polyketide pathway using acetate and propionate building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F. O. Rocha
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Felipe C. Wouters
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Dávila S. Zampieri
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Timothy J. Brocksom
- Laboratório de Química Bio-Orgânica, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - Glauco Machado
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav.14, no. 321, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Anita J. Marsaioli
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
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Cook DR, Smith AT, Proud DN, Víquez C, Townsend VR. Defensive Responses of Neotropical Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) to Generalist Invertebrate Predators. CARIBB J SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v47i3.a20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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22
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Arbuckle K, Brockhurst M, Speed MP. Does chemical defence increase niche space? A phylogenetic comparative analysis of the Musteloidea. Evol Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-013-9629-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Heethoff M, Raspotnig G. Triggering chemical defense in an oribatid mite using artificial stimuli. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2012; 56:287-295. [PMID: 22286143 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Most oribatid mites are well known for their exocrine oil gland secretions, from which more than a hundred different chemical components (hydrocarbons, terpenes, aromatics and alkaloids) have been described. The biological functions of these secretions have remained enigmatic for most species, but alarm-pheromonal and allomonal functions have been hypothesized, and demonstrated in some cases. Here, we tested different experimental stimuli to induce the release of defensive secretions in the model oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus Aoki. Whereas various mechanical stimuli did not result in a reproducible and complete expulsion of oil gland secretions, repeated treatments with hexane led to complete discharge. Life history parameters such as survival, development and reproduction were not influenced by the hexane treatment. Repeated hexane treatments also resulted in a complete depletion of oil glands in Euphthiracarus cribrarius Berlese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heethoff
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens University, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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Quadros AF, Bugs PS, Araujo PB. Tonic immobility in terrestrial isopods: intraspecific and interspecific variability. Zookeys 2012:155-70. [PMID: 22536106 PMCID: PMC3335412 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.176.2355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many arthropods, including terrestrial isopods, are capable of entering a state of tonic immobility upon a mechanical disturbance. Here we compare the responses to mechanical stimulation in three terrestrial isopods Balloniscus glaber, Balloniscus sellowii and Porcellio dilatatus. We applied three stimuli in a random order and recorded whether each individual was responsive (i.e. showed tonic immobility) or not and the duration of the response. In another trial we related the time needed to elicit tonic immobility and the duration of response of each individual. Balloniscus sellowii was the least responsive species and Porcellio dilatatus was the most, with 23% and 89% of the tested individuals, respectively, being responsive. Smaller Balloniscus sellowii were more responsive than larger individuals. Porcellio dilatatus responded more promptly than the Balloniscus spp. but it showed the shortest response. Neither sex, size nor the type of stimulus explained the variability found in the duration of tonic immobility. These results reveal a large variability in tonic immobility behavior, even between closely related species, which seems to reflect a species-specific response to predators with different foraging modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Ferreira Quadros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal. Departamento de Zoologia, IB, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, prédio 43435, CEP 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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Houghton JE, Townsend VR, Proud DN. The Ecological Significance of Leg Autotomy for Climbing Temperate Species of Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Sclerosomatidae). SOUTHEAST NAT 2011. [DOI: 10.1656/058.010.0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Raspotnig G, Schaider M, Föttinger P, Komposch C, Karaman I. Nitrogen-containing compounds in the scent gland secretions of European cladonychiid harvestmen (Opiliones, Laniatores, Travunioidea). J Chem Ecol 2011; 37:912-21. [PMID: 21769653 PMCID: PMC3148440 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-011-9996-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The exocrine secretions from prominently developed prosomal scent glands in four species of the European laniatorean harvestman genus Holoscotolemon (Laniatores, Travunioidea, Cladonychiidae) were analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Two major alkaloidal compounds were detected: Nicotine accounted for more than 97% of the secretion in Holoscotolemon jaqueti and H. oreophilum, whereas the chemically related nicotinoid alkaloid anabaseine was the major compound in H. lessiniense. In addition, a series of minor nitrogen-containing components was found, namely 3-(1-methyl-2-piperidinyl)-pyridine and anabasine, in H. jaqueti and H. oreophilum, and anabasine together with 2,3'-bipyridyl in H. lessiniense. By contrast, extracts of adult H. unicolor did not show any components. In one juvenile specimen of H. unicolor, however, low amounts of alkyl pyrazines (dimethyl-isobutyl- and dimethyl-isopentylpyrazines) were detected. Nitrogen-containing components previously were found in Sclerobunus robustus (an American travunioid harvestman), so scent gland-derived alkaloids may be widespread or even common in the Travunioidea. Alkaloids have not been reported for other opilionid scent gland secretions outside the Travunioidea, and we hypothesize that they may be the phylogenetically ancestral allomones in the Laniatores, having been reduced and replaced by a phenol- and benzoquinone-rich chemistry in the more derived grassatorean taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens University, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Schaider M, Komposch C, Stabentheiner E, Raspotnig G. Functional anatomy of scent glands in Paranemastoma quadripunctatum (Opiliones, Dyspnoi, Nemastomatidae). J Morphol 2011; 272:1182-91. [PMID: 21618269 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The morphological organization and functional anatomy of prosomal defensive (scent) glands in Paranemastoma quadripunctatum, a representative of the dyspnoid harvestmen, was investigated by means of histological semithin sections, software-based 3D-reconstruction and scanning electron microscopy. Scent glands comprise large, hollow sacs on either side of the prosoma, each of these opening to the outside via one orifice (ozopore) immediately above coxa I. In contrast to the situation known from laniatorean, cyphophthalmid and some eupnoid Opiliones, ozopores are not exposed but hidden in a depression (atrium), formed by a dorsal integumental fold of the carapace and the dorsal parts of coxae I. Glandular sacs are connected to ozopores via a short duct which is equipped with a specific closing mechanism in its distal part: A layer of modified epidermal cells forms a kind of pad-like tissue, surrounding the duct like a valve. Several muscles attached to the anterior parts of the glandular reservoir and to the epithelial pad may be associated with ozopore-opening. The actual mechanism of secretion discharge seems to be highly unusual and may be hypothesized on the basis of corroborating data from behavioral observations, scent gland anatomy and secretion chemistry as follows: Enteric fluid is considered to be directed towards the ozopores via cuticular grooves in the surface of the coxapophyses of legs I. Then, the fluid is sucked into the anterior part of the scent gland reservoirs by the action of dorsal dilator muscles that widen the reservoir and produce a short-term negative pressure. After dilution/solution of the naphthoquinone-rich scent gland contents, a secretion-loaded fluid is thought to be discharged with the help of transversal compressor muscles. This is the first detailed study on the functional anatomy of scent glands and the mechanisms of secretion discharge in the Dyspnoi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schaider
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University, Graz, Austria
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