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Pérez-Lachaud G, Rocha FH, Pozo C, Kaminski LA, Seraphim N, Lachaud JP. A new ant-butterfly symbiosis in the forest canopy fills an evolutionary gap. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20770. [PMID: 34675260 PMCID: PMC8531015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myrmecophilous butterflies can establish complex symbiotic relationships with ants. A caterpillar wandering among the brood of the aggressive ponerine ant Neoponera villosa was found inside the core of a nest built in the myrmecophytic bromeliad Aechmea bracteata. This is the first caterpillar found living inside a ponerine ant nest. Its DNA barcode was sequenced, and an integrative approach was used to identify it as Pseudonymphidia agave, a poorly known member of the subtribe Pachythonina in the riodinid tribe Nymphidiini. The cuticle of the tank-like caterpillar lacks projections or tubercles and is covered dorsally by specialized flat setae that form an armor of small plates. Ant-organs potentially related to caterpillar-ant signaling, such as perforated cupola organs and tentacle nectary organs, are present. These morphological traits, together with evidence of social integration (direct contact with host brood, protective morphology, slow movement, no host aggressiveness), suggest that P. agave is a symbiotic, social parasite of N. villosa, preying on its host brood. However, several knowledge gaps remain, including oviposition site, dependence on bromeliad association, steps to colony integration, and larval diet through development. Carnivory has been reported in all known members of the subtribe Pachythonina (caterpillars prey on honeydew-producing hemipterans) suggesting a shift to myrmecophagy inside the ant nests as a possible evolutionary transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pérez-Lachaud
- Departamento de Conservación de La Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - Franklin H Rocha
- Departamento de Conservación de La Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Departamento de Apicultura, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Carmen Pozo
- Departamento de Conservación de La Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Lucas A Kaminski
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Noemy Seraphim
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jean-Paul Lachaud
- Departamento de Conservación de La Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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Low ML, Naranjo M, Yack JE. Survival Sounds in Insects: Diversity, Function, and Evolution. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.641740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect defense sounds have been reported for centuries. Yet, aside from the well-studied anti-bat sounds of tiger moths, little is understood about the occurrence, function, and evolution of these sounds. We define a defense sound as an acoustic signal (air- or solid-borne vibration) produced in response to attack or threat of attack by a predator or parasitoid and that promotes survival. Defense sounds have been described in 12 insect orders, across different developmental stages, and between sexes. The mechanisms of defensive sound production include stridulation, percussion, tymbalation, tremulation, and forced air. Signal characteristics vary between species, and we discuss how morphology, the intended receiver, and specific functions of the sounds could explain this variation. Sounds can be directed at predators or non-predators, and proposed functions include startle, aposematism, jamming, and alarm, although experimental evidence for these hypotheses remains scant for many insects. The evolutionary origins of defense sounds in insects have not been rigorously investigated using phylogenetic methodology, but in most cases it is hypothesized that they evolved from incidental sounds associated with non-signaling behaviors such as flight or ventilatory movements. Compared to our understanding of visual defenses in insects, sonic defenses are poorly understood. We recommend that future investigations focus on testing hypotheses explaining the functions and evolution of these survival sounds using predator-prey experiments and comparative phylogenetics.
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The first known riodinid ‘cuckoo’ butterfly reveals deep-time convergence and parallelism in ant social parasites. Zool J Linn Soc 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mutualistic interactions between butterflies and ants can evolve into complex social parasitism. ‘Cuckoo’ caterpillars, known only in the Lycaenidae, use multimodal mimetic traits to achieve social integration into ant societies. Here, we present the first known ‘cuckoo’ butterfly in the family Riodinidae. Aricoris arenarum remained in taxonomic limbo for > 80 years, relegated to nomen dubium and misidentified as Aricoris gauchoana. We located lost type material, designated lectotypes and documented the morphology and natural history of the immature stages. The multifaceted life cycle of A. arenarum can be summarized in three phases: (1) females lay eggs close to honeydew-producing hemipterans tended by specific Camponotus ants; (2) free-living caterpillars feed on liquids (honeydew and ant regurgitations); and (3) from the third instar onward, the caterpillars are fed and tended by ants as ‘cuckoos’ inside the ant nest. This life cycle is remarkably similar to that of the Asian lycaenid Niphanda fusca, despite divergence 90 Mya. Comparable eco-evolutionary pathways resulted in a suite of ecomorphological homoplasies through the ontogeny. This study shows that convergent interactions can be more important than phylogenetic proximity in shaping functional traits of social parasites.
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Casacci LP, Bonelli S, Balletto E, Barbero F. Multimodal Signaling in Myrmecophilous Butterflies. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Alves-Silva E, Bächtold A, Del-Claro K. Florivorous myrmecophilous caterpillars exploit an ant-plant mutualism and distract ants from extrafloral nectaries. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Estevao Alves-Silva
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso; Rua Prof. Dr. Renato Figueiro Varella, Caixa Postal 08 CEP: 78690-000 Nova Xavantina Mato Grosso Brasil
- Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia; Uberlândia Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Alexandra Bächtold
- Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso; Rua Prof. Dr. Renato Figueiro Varella, Caixa Postal 08 CEP: 78690-000 Nova Xavantina Mato Grosso Brasil
- Universidade de São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto São Paulo Brasil
| | - Kleber Del-Claro
- Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia; Uberlândia Minas Gerais Brazil
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6
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Schönrogge K, Barbero F, Casacci L, Settele J, Thomas J. Acoustic communication within ant societies and its mimicry by mutualistic and socially parasitic myrmecophiles. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pascale EG, Thiet RK. The Relationship Between Ants and Lycaeides melissa samuelis (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) at Concord Pine Barrens, NH, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 45:633-641. [PMID: 27106823 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a federally listed, endangered species that has experienced dramatic decline over its historic range. In surviving populations, Karner blue butterflies have a facultative mutualism with ants that could be critically important to their survival where their populations are threatened by habitat loss or disturbance. In this study, we investigated the effects of ants, wild blue lupine population status (native or restored), and fire on adult Karner blue butterfly abundance at the Concord Pine Barrens, NH, USA. Ant frequency (the number of times we collected each ant species in our pitfall traps) was higher in restored than native lupine treatments regardless of burn status during both Karner blue butterfly broods, and the trend was statistically significant during the second brood. We observed a positive relationship between adult Karner blue butterfly abundance and ant frequency during the first brood, particularly on native lupine, regardless of burn treatment. During the second brood, adult Karner blue butterfly abundance and ant frequency were not significantly correlated in any treatments or their combinations. Our findings suggest that a combination of native and restored lupine is important for supporting both Karner blue butterflies and ants at the Concord Pine Barrens, and that burning does not affect the mutualism. Thus, scientists and managers at the site may wish to target their habitat management activities to best support both Karner blue butterflies and the particular ant species that provide the greatest benefit to their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Pascale
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England, 40 Avon St., Keene, NH 03431 (; ) and
| | - Rachel K Thiet
- Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England, 40 Avon St., Keene, NH 03431 (; ) and
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Basset Y, Barrios H, Segar S, Srygley RB, Aiello A, Warren AD, Delgado F, Coronado J, Lezcano J, Arizala S, Rivera M, Perez F, Bobadilla R, Lopez Y, Ramirez JA. The Butterflies of Barro Colorado Island, Panama: Local Extinction since the 1930s. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136623. [PMID: 26305111 PMCID: PMC4549329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Few data are available about the regional or local extinction of tropical butterfly species. When confirmed, local extinction was often due to the loss of host-plant species. We used published lists and recent monitoring programs to evaluate changes in butterfly composition on Barro Colorado Island (BCI, Panama) between an old (1923-1943) and a recent (1993-2013) period. Although 601 butterfly species have been recorded from BCI during the 1923-2013 period, we estimate that 390 species are currently breeding on the island, including 34 cryptic species, currently only known by their DNA Barcode Index Number. Twenty-three butterfly species that were considered abundant during the old period could not be collected during the recent period, despite a much higher sampling effort in recent times. We consider these species locally extinct from BCI and they conservatively represent 6% of the estimated local pool of resident species. Extinct species represent distant phylogenetic branches and several families. The butterfly traits most likely to influence the probability of extinction were host growth form, wing size and host specificity, independently of the phylogenetic relationships among butterfly species. On BCI, most likely candidates for extinction were small hesperiids feeding on herbs (35% of extinct species). However, contrary to our working hypothesis, extinction of these species on BCI cannot be attributed to loss of host plants. In most cases these host plants remain extant, but they probably subsist at lower or more fragmented densities. Coupled with low dispersal power, this reduced availability of host plants has probably caused the local extinction of some butterfly species. Many more bird than butterfly species have been lost from BCI recently, confirming that small preserves may be far more effective at conserving invertebrates than vertebrates and, therefore, should not necessarily be neglected from a conservation viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Basset
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Universidad de Panamá, Maestria de Entomologia, 080814, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- * E-mail:
| | - Héctor Barrios
- Universidad de Panamá, Maestria de Entomologia, 080814, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Simon Segar
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia and Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Robert B. Srygley
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
- Northern Plains Agricultural Lab, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 1500 N. Central Ave., Sidney, Montana, 59270, United States of America
| | - Annette Aiello
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Andrew D. Warren
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 3215 Hull Rd., P.O. Box 112710, Gainesville, Florida, 32611–2710, United States of America
| | - Francisco Delgado
- Universidad de Panamá, Centro Regional Universitario de Veraguas, Santiago, Republic of Panama
| | - James Coronado
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Jorge Lezcano
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Stephany Arizala
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Marleny Rivera
- Universidad de Panamá, Maestria de Entomologia, 080814, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Filonila Perez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Ricardo Bobadilla
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Yacksecari Lopez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - José Alejandro Ramirez
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843–03092, Panama City, Republic of Panama
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9
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Barnett AA, Almeida T, Andrade R, Boyle S, de Lima MG, MacLarnon A, Ross C, Silva WS, Spironello WR, Ronchi-Teles B. Ants in their plants:Pseudomyrmexants reduce primate, parrot and squirrel predation onMacrolobium acaciifolium(Fabaceae) seeds in Amazonian Brazil. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A. Barnett
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology; University of Roehampton; London SW15 4JD UK
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Manaus AM 69067-375 Brazil
| | - Thais Almeida
- Lab. de Herpetologia; Univ. Federal do Mato Grosso; Boa Esperança MT 68060-900 Brazil
| | - Richelly Andrade
- Dept. de Química; Univ. Federal do Amazonas; Manaus AM 69077-000 Brazil
| | - Sarah Boyle
- Dept. of Biology; Rhodes College; Memphis TN 38112-1690 USA
| | - Marcelo Gonçalves de Lima
- Protected Areas Programme; United Nations Environment Program; World Conservation Monitoring Centre; 219c Huntingdon Rd. Cambridge CB3 0DL UK
| | - Ann MacLarnon
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology; University of Roehampton; London SW15 4JD UK
| | - Caroline Ross
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology; University of Roehampton; London SW15 4JD UK
| | - Welma Sousa Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia; Univ. Federal do Amazonas; Itacoatiara AM 69100-000 Brazil
| | - Wilson R. Spironello
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Manaus AM 69067-375 Brazil
| | - Beatriz Ronchi-Teles
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia; Manaus AM 69067-375 Brazil
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10
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Bächtold A, Alves-Silva E, Kaminski LA, Del-Claro K. The role of tending ants in host plant selection and egg parasitism of two facultative myrmecophilous butterflies. Naturwissenschaften 2014; 101:913-9. [PMID: 25200736 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-014-1232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovipositing adult females of myrmecophilous lycaenids are expected to select plants based on ant presence in order to maximize the survivorship of immature stages. Usually, larvae feed ants with honey-like solutions and, in turn, ants ward off parasitoids. Nonetheless, a rarely investigated approach is whether ant partners can also extend their protective behavior towards lycaenids eggs. Here, we investigated the ant-related oviposition pattern of Allosmaitia strophius and Rekoa marius; then, we compared egg parasitism according to the presence of ants. Lycaenid oviposition and egg parasitism (in percent) were experimentally compared in ant-present and ant-excluded treatments. The study plant, Heteropterys byrsonimifolia, is an extrafloral nectaried shrub which supports several ant species. We sampled 280 eggs, of which 39.65 % belonged to A. strophius and 60.35 % to R. marius. Both lycaenids eggs were significantly more abundant on branches with ants, especially those with Camponotus crassus and Camponotus blandus, two ant species known to attend to lycaenids. A. strophius and R. marius parasitism was 4.5- and 2.4-fold higher, respectively, in ant-present treatments, but the results were not statistically significant. Our study shows that ant-mediated host plant selection in lycaenids might be much more widespread than previously thought, and not restricted to obligate myrmecophilous species. Tending ants may be inefficient bodyguards of lycaenid eggs, because unlike larvae which release sugared liquids, eggs do not offer obvious rewards to ants. Ants can ward off parasitoids of larvae, as observed elsewhere, but our findings show that positive ant-lycaenid interactions are conditional and depend on immature ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bächtold
- Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes no. 3900, CEP 14040901, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil,
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Silva NAP, Duarte M, Araújo EB, Morais HC. Larval biology of anthophagous Eumaeini (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae, Theclinae) in the cerrado of central Brazil. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2014; 14:184. [PMID: 25368090 PMCID: PMC5443601 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The biology and morphology of the early stages of 22 species of Eumaeini (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae, Theclinae) are presented. Observations were collected through the inspection of inflorescences in the field and the rearing of 214 larvae in laboratory. Allosmaitia strophius (Godart) associated with Malpighiaceae species and the polyphagous Strymon mulucha (Hewitson) were the most frequently collected species. Detritivory was observed in two species, Electrostrymon endymion (F.) and Kisutam syllis (Godman & Salvin), and myrmecophily in four other species, A. strophius, Ministrymon azia (Hewitson), Parrhasius polibetes (Stoll), and S. mulucha. Cannibalism was observed in A. strophius; in addition, the pupa of this and of three other species produced audible sounds. Paiwarria aphaca (Hewitson) was highlighted because of the great difference observed between its first and last instars, as well as the marked difference between that species and the larvae of Paiwarria umbratus (Geyer) documented in Costa Rica. Larvae of Calycopis mimas (Godman & Salvin) displayed "bungee jumping" behavior when stimulated. Parasitoids (Diptera, Hymenoptera) attacked 21 larvae of eight species, A. strophius, K. syllis, M. azia, Pai. aphaca, P. polibetes, Rekoa marius (Lucas), S. mulucha, and Tmolus venustus (H.H. Druce). Illustrations of immatures and parasitoids are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neuza A P Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Duarte
- Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Nazaré 481, Ipiranga, 04263-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliezer B Araújo
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Helena C Morais
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, 70910-900 Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Kaminski LA, Mota LL, Freitas AVL, Moreira GRP. Two ways to be a myrmecophilous butterfly: natural history and comparative immature-stage morphology of two species ofTheope(Lepidoptera: Riodinidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. Kaminski
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Estadual de Campinas; CP 6109; 13083-970; Campinas; SP; Brazil
| | - Luísa L. Mota
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Estadual de Campinas; CP 6109; 13083-970; Campinas; SP; Brazil
| | - André V. L. Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia; Universidade Estadual de Campinas; CP 6109; 13083-970; Campinas; SP; Brazil
| | - Gilson R. P. Moreira
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Avenue Bento Gonçalves 9500; 91501-970; Porto Alegre; RS; Brazil
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13
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Kaminski LA, Freitas AVL, Oliveira PS. Interaction between Mutualisms: Ant-tended butterflies exploit enemy-free space provided by ant-treehopper associations. Am Nat 2010; 176:322-34. [PMID: 20645858 DOI: 10.1086/655427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Although mutualisms have been intensively investigated, demonstration of indirect effects between co-occurring mutualistic systems is rare. For instance, the ecological consequences of co-occurrence of ant-tended insects on a plant have never been examined for survival effects on either trophobiont species. Here, we assess the selective pressures mediating co-occurrence of a facultative ant-tended butterfly (Parrhasius polibetes) with ant-tended treehoppers (Guayaquila xiphias) on Schefflera vinosa shrubs. We evaluated host plant selection and caterpillar survival in P. polibetes in the presence and absence of ant-treehopper associations. Paired trials revealed that butterflies preferably oviposit on branches hosting ant-tended treehoppers when they had a choice between those and branches without this interaction. Presence of ant-tended treehoppers on a branch reduced the abundance of P. polibetes' natural enemies and improved caterpillar survival in both premyrmecophylic and ant-tended phases. Thus ant-tended treehoppers create an enemy-free space on foliage that butterflies exploit to protect larval offspring. These findings connect two widely documented ant-trophobiont mutualisms and highlight the importance of considering multiple interactions for a proper understanding of ant-plant-herbivore systems. Detection of other ant-based mutualisms on oviposition to improve offspring survival may have represented an important evolutionary step in the process of host plant selection in facultative myrmecophilous butterflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Kaminski
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Cavalleri A, Kaminski LA, Mendonça MDS. Ectoparasitism in Aulacothrips (Thysanoptera: Heterothripidae) revisited: Host diversity on honeydew-producing Hemiptera and description of a new species. ZOOL ANZ 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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15
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Devries PJ. Enhancement of symbioses between butterfly caterpillars and ants by vibrational communication. Science 2010; 248:1104-6. [PMID: 17733373 DOI: 10.1126/science.248.4959.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Butterfly caterpillars produce calls that appear to play a role in maintaining symbiotic associations with ants. A survey of butterfly species from South and Central America, North America, Europe, Thailand, and Australia suggests that the ability for caterpillars to call has evolved independently at least three times, and that calling may be ubiquitous among ant-associated species. Because ants use substrate-borne sound in their communication systems, this study points to the possibility that the calls of one insect species have evolved to attract other, unrelated species.
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16
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Davidson DW. The role of resource imbalances in the evolutionary ecology of tropical arboreal ants. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1997.tb01785.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kaminski LA. Polyphagy and Obligate Myrmecophily in the ButterflyHallonympha paucipuncta(Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) in the Neotropical Cerrado Savanna. Biotropica 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2007.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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PETERSON MERRILLA. Unpredictability in the facultative association between larvae of Euphilotes enoptes (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and ants. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1995.tb01060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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DEVRIES PJ, COCROFT RB, THOMAS J. Comparison of acoustical signals in Maculinea butterfly caterpillars and their obligate host Myrmica ants. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1993.tb00902.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
1. Few theoretical studies have examined the impact of immigration and emigration on mutualist population dynamics, but a recent empirical study (A.R. Thompson Oecologia, 143, 61-69) on mutualistic fish and shrimp showed that immigration can prevent population collapse, and that intraspecific competition for a mutualistic partner can curb population expansion. To understand in a theoretical context the implications of these results, and to assess their generality, we present a two-species model that accounts explicitly for immigration and emigration, as well as distinguishing the impacts of mutualism on birth rates, death rates and habitat acquisition. 2. The model confirms that immigration can stabilize mutualistic populations, and predicts that high immigration, along with enhanced reproduction and/or reduced mortality through mutualism, can cause population sizes to increase until habitat availability curbs further expansion. 3. We explore in detail the effects of different forms of habitat limitation on mutualistic populations. Habitat availability commonly limits the density of both populations if mutualists acquire shelter independently. If a mutualist depends on a partner for habitat, densities of that mutualist are capped by the amount of space provided by that partner. The density of the shelter-provider is limited by the environment. 4. If a mutualism solely augments reproduction, and most locally produced individuals leave the focal patch, then the mutualism will have a minimal effect on local dynamics. If the mutualism operates by reducing rates of death or enhancing habitat availability, and there is at least some immigration, then mutualism will affect local dynamics. This finding may be particularly relevant in marine systems, where there is high variability (among species and locations) in the extent to which progeny disperse from natal locations. 5. Overall, our results demonstrate that the consequences of immigration and emigration for the dynamics of mutualists depend strongly on which demographic rate is influenced by mutualism. 6. By relating our model to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic systems, we provide a general framework to guide future empirical studies of the dynamics of mutualistic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Thompson
- US Fish & Wildlife Service, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011, USA.
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DeVries PJ, Penz CM. Entomophagy, Behavior, and Elongated Thoracic Legs in the Myrmecophilous Neotropical Butterfly Alesa amesis (Riodinidae)1. Biotropica 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2000.tb00519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Oliveira PS, Freitas AVL. Ant-plant-herbivore interactions in the neotropical cerrado savanna. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2004; 91:557-70. [PMID: 15551026 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-004-0585-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Brazilian cerrado savanna covers nearly 2 million km2 and has a high incidence on foliage of various liquid food sources such as extrafloral nectar and insect exudates. These liquid rewards generate intense ant activity on cerrado foliage, making ant-plant-herbivore interactions especially prevalent in this biome. We present data on the distribution and abundance of extrafloral nectaries in the woody flora of cerrado communities and in the flora of other habitats worldwide, and stress the relevance of liquid food sources (including hemipteran honeydew) for the ant fauna. Consumption by ants of plant and insect exudates significantly affects the activity of the associated herbivores of cerrado plant species, with varying impacts on the reproductive output of the plants. Experiments with an ant-plant-butterfly system unequivocally demonstrate that the behavior of both immature and adult lepidopterans is closely related to the use of a risky host plant, where intensive visitation by ants can have a severe impact on caterpillar survival. We discuss recent evidence suggesting that the occurrence of liquid rewards on leaves plays a key role in mediating the foraging ecology of foliage-dwelling ants, and that facultative ant-plant mutualisms are important in structuring the community of canopy arthropods. Ant-mediated effects on cerrado herbivore communities can be revealed by experiments performed on wide spatial scales, including many environmental factors such as soil fertility and vegetation structure. We also present some research questions that could be rewarding to investigate in this major neotropical savanna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo S Oliveira
- Departamento de Zoologia, CP 6109, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 13083-970, Campinas SP, Brazil.
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Gentry G. Multiple parasitoid visitors to the extrafloral nectaries of Solanum adherens. Is S. adherens an insectary plant? Basic Appl Ecol 2003. [DOI: 10.1078/1439-1791-00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Hall JP, Harvey DJ. Basal subtribes of the Nymphidiini (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae): phylogeny and myrmecophily. Cladistics 2002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-0031.2002.tb00292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Fourcassié V, Oliveira PS. Foraging ecology of the giant Amazonian ant Dinoponera gigantea (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Ponerinae): activity schedule, diet and spatial foraging patterns. J NAT HIST 2002. [DOI: 10.1080/00222930110097149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Pierce NE, Braby MF, Heath A, Lohman DJ, Mathew J, Rand DB, Travassos MA. The ecology and evolution of ant association in the Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera). ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2002; 47:733-771. [PMID: 11729090 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.47.091201.145257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The estimated 6000 species of Lycaenidae account for about one third of all Papilionoidea. The majority of lycaenids have associations with ants that can be facultative or obligate and range from mutualism to parasitism. Lycaenid larvae and pupae employ complex chemical and acoustical signals to manipulate ants. Cost/benefit analyses have demonstrated multiple trade-offs involved in myrmecophily. Both demographic and phylogenetic evidence indicate that ant association has shaped the evolution of obligately associated groups. Parasitism typically arises from mutualism with ants, and entomophagous species are disproportionately common in the Lycaenidae compared with other Lepidoptera. Obligate associations are more common in the Southern Hemisphere, in part because highly ant-associated lineages make up a larger proportion of the fauna in these regions. Further research on phylogeny and natural history, particularly of the Neotropical fauna, will be necessary to understand the role ant association has played in the evolution of the Lycaenidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E Pierce
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
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JOHNSON CHRISTINE, AGOSTI DONAT, DELABIE JACQUESH, DUMPERT KLAUS, WILLIAMS DJ, TSCHIRNHAUS MICHAELVON, MASCHWITZ ULRICH. Acropyga and Azteca Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with Scale Insects (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea): 20 Million Years of Intimate Symbiosis. AMERICAN MUSEUM NOVITATES 2001. [DOI: 10.1206/0003-0082(2001)335<0001:aaaahf>2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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JOHNSON CHRISTINE, AGOSTI DONAT, DELABIE JACQUESH, DUMPERT KLAUS, WILLIAMS DJ, TSCHIRNHAUS MICHAELVON, MASCHWITZ ULRICH. Acropyga and Azteca Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with Scale Insects (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea): 20 Million Years of Intimate Symbiosis. AMERICAN MUSEUM NOVITATES 2001. [DOI: 10.1206/0003-0082(2001)335%3c0001:aaaahf%3e2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Travassos MA, Pierce NE. Acoustics, context and function of vibrational signalling in a lycaenid butterfly-ant mutualism. Anim Behav 2000; 60:13-26. [PMID: 10924199 DOI: 10.1006/anbe.1999.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Juveniles of the Australian common imperial blue butterfly, Jalmenus evagoras, produce substrate-borne vibrational signals in the form of two kinds of pupal calls and three larval calls. Pupae stridulate in the presence of conspecific larvae, when attended by an ant guard, and as a reaction against perturbation. Using pupal pairs in which one member was experimentally muted, pupal calls were shown to be important in ant attraction and the maintenance of an ant guard. A pupa may use calls to regulate levels of its attendant ants and to signal its potential value in these mutualistic interactions. Therefore substrate-borne vibrations play a significant role in the communication between J. evagoras and its attendant ants and pupal calls appear to be more than just signals acting as a predator deterrent. Similarly, caterpillars make more sound when attended by Iridomyrmex anceps, suggesting that larval calls may be important in mediating ant symbioses. One larval call has the same mean dominant frequency, pulse rate, bandwidth and pulse length as the primary signal of a pupa, suggesting a similarity in function. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- MA Travassos
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University
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DeVries PJ, Penz CM. Entomophagy, Behavior, and Elongated Thoracic Legs in the Myrmecophilous Neotropical Butterfly Alesa amesis (Riodinidae)1. Biotropica 2000. [DOI: 10.1646/0006-3606(2000)032[0712:ebaetl]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Devries PJ, Poinar GO. Ancient butterfly–ant symbiosis: direct evidence from Dominican amber. Proc Biol Sci 1997. [DOI: 10.1098/rspb.1997.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Devries
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
| | - G. O. Poinar
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
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Seufert P, Fiedler K. The influence of ants on patterns of colonization and establishment within a set of coexisting lycaenid butterflies in a south-east Asian tropical rain forest. Oecologia 1996; 106:127-136. [PMID: 28307164 DOI: 10.1007/bf00334414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/1995] [Accepted: 10/17/1995] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In Peninsular Malaysia ten species of lycaenid butterflies use leaf flushes or inflorescences of the legume tree Saraca thaipingensis as larval hostplant. Resource partitioning among these species is regulated by a complex mixture of patterns of interaction with ants. Females of obligately myrmecophilous species lay their eggs exclusively on trees colonized by their specific host ants. On trees colonized by weaver ants, only specialist mutualists adapted to these territorial ants are able to survive, while larvae of other species are killed. The formicine ant Cladomyrma petalae, which inhabits hollow twigs of the myrmecophytic hostplant, likewise precludes oviposition by female butterflies. Lycaenid larvae confronted with this ant species never survive, but one concealed feeding species (Jamides caeruleus) escapes removal due to the cryptic life-habits of the larvae. Two facultative myrmecophiles associate in a mutualistic way with a wide and largely overlapping range of ant genera which forage at the extrafloral nectaries of leaf flushes. One species (Cheritra freja) is not myrmecophilous, but is tolerated by all but the most territorial ants. Ant-dependent hostplant selection and egg-clustering characterize the obligate mutualists, whereas facultative myrmecophiles and the non-myrmecophile distribute their eggs singly over appropriate hostplants. Signals mediating caterpillar-ant communication are highly specialized in one obligate myrmecophile (Drupadia theda), but rather unspecific in four other species tested. Altogether our observations indicate that colonization and establishment of lycaenid butterflies on S. thaipingensis trees are governed by specializations as well as opportunistic use of resources (ants and hostplant parts). Therefore, the diversity of this species assemblage is maintained by deterministic as well as stochastic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Seufert
- Lehrstuhl für Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie, Theodor-Boveri-Biozentrum der Universität, Am Hubland, D-97074, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Fiedler
- Lehrstuhl für Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie, Theodor-Boveri-Biozentrum der Universität, Am Hubland, D-97074, Wurzburg, Germany
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Fiedler K, Hölldobler B, Seufert P. Butterflies and ants: The communicative domain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1996. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01922410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fiedler K, Saam C. Ants benefit from attending facultatively myrmecophilous Lycaenidae caterpillars: evidence from a survival study. Oecologia 1995; 104:316-322. [PMID: 28307588 DOI: 10.1007/bf00328367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/1995] [Accepted: 05/29/1995] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Workers of three ant species (Lasius niger, Lasius flavus, Myrmica rubra) were caged in the laboratory together with caterpillars and pupae of five species of lycaenid butterflies. Mortality of ants was 3-5 times higher when the ants were confined with larvae lacking a dorsal nectar organ (Lycaena phlaeas, Lycaena tityrus) rather than with caterpillars which possess a nectar gland (Aricia agestis, Polyommatus bellargus, P. icarus). For all five species, ant survival was always lower at the pupal stage (where a nectar organ is always absent) than at the caterpillar stage and was largely equivalent for the butterfly species tested. The experimental data confirm earlier estimates that ants can derive nutritive benefits from tending facultatively myrmecophilous lycaenid caterpillars, even though these caterpillars produce nectarlike secretions at low rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Fiedler
- Lenrstuhl für Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie (Zoologie II), Biozentrum der Universität, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christine Saam
- Lenrstuhl für Verhaltensphysiologie und Soziobiologie (Zoologie II), Biozentrum der Universität, Am Hubland, D-97074, Würzburg, Germany
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Fiedler K. Lycaenid butterflies and plants: is myrmecophily associated with particular hostplant preferences? ETHOL ECOL EVOL 1995. [DOI: 10.1080/08927014.1995.9522960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Wagner D. Species-specific effects of tending ants on the development of lycaenid butterfly larvae. Oecologia 1993; 96:276-281. [PMID: 28313425 DOI: 10.1007/bf00317742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/1993] [Accepted: 07/27/1993] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of nutrients between organisms is a common feature of mutualism. The production of these food rewards is often assumed to be costly. Estimation of the costs of producing food rewards is important for understanding the overall effects of the interaction on fitness. When food rewards are harvested by several species differing in foraging behavior, costs to the producer may differ. The larvae of many species in the butterfly family Lycaenidae produce secretions consumed by tending ants. Here I report that three North American ant species, Formica perpilosa, Dorymyrmex sp. (smithi complex), and Forelius foetida, had no negative effect on the duration of development and adult size of the lycaenid Hemiargus isola. Moreover, tending by the ant Formica perpilosa significantly enhanced larval growth, resulting in butterflies that were 20% heavier than their untended counterparts. Tending by the ants Dorymyrmex sp. (smithi complex) and Forelius foetida had no effect on butterfly weight. Tended, nonfeeding larvae lost 69% more weight than untended, nonfeeding larvae. Taken together, the results suggest that, although ant tending imposes a physiological cost, H. isola larvae use behavioral or physiological mechanisms to compensate or overcompensate for nutrients lost to ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, 08544-1003, Princeton, NJ, USA
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Ants andPolyommatus icarus immatures (Lycaenidae) -sex-related developmental benefits and costs of ant attendance. Oecologia 1992; 91:468-473. [PMID: 28313497 DOI: 10.1007/bf00650318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/1992] [Accepted: 05/19/1992] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Third and fourth instar larvae and pupae of the facultatively myrmecophilous Palaearctic blue butterflyPolyommatus icarus showed no alteration in developmental time when reared in the presence of two species ofLasius ants. Sex differences were observed in larval growth and pupal weight, with males growing larger and faster. Sex-related differences also occurred in the costs and benefits of ant-attendance. Male pupal masses tended to be larger in individuals associated with ants, and their pupal weight loss was not enhanced by ant attendance. This positive developmental effect of myrmecophily is tentatively attributed to a stimulating influence of ants on caterpillar feeding behavior. In contrast, females associated with ants tended to lose more weight during the pupal stage. Hence there is evidence for developmental benefits, rather than costs, of myrmecophily in maleP. icarus immatures, whereas ant attendance appears to be more costly for females during the pupal stage. These findings are discussed in relation to data on other myrmecophilous lycaenid species. It is suggested that maintaining low-level myrmecophily and its related organs is a comparatively inexpensive evolutionary stable strategy among this butterfly group.
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Jones TH, DeVries PJ, Escoubas P. Chemistry of venom alkaloids in the antMegalomyrmex foreli (Myrmicinae) from Costa Rica. J Chem Ecol 1991; 17:2507-18. [PMID: 24258643 DOI: 10.1007/bf00994598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/1991] [Accepted: 08/19/1991] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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