1
|
Finnie S, Butterill P, Novotny V, Redmond C, Jorge LR, Abe T, Lamarre GPA, Maicher V, Sam K. Vertical stratification and defensive traits of caterpillars against parasitoids in a lowland tropical forest in Cameroon. Oecologia 2024; 204:915-930. [PMID: 38613574 PMCID: PMC11062930 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-024-05542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Insect herbivores and their parasitoids play a crucial role in terrestrial trophic interactions in tropical forests. These interactions occur across the entire vertical gradient of the forest. This study compares how caterpillar communities, and their parasitism rates, vary across vertical strata and between caterpillar defensive strategies in a semi deciduous tropical forest in Nditam, Cameroon. Within a 0.1 ha plot, all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were felled and systematically searched for caterpillars. We divided the entire vertical gradient of the forest into eight, five-metre strata. All caterpillars were assigned to a stratum based on their collection height, reared, identified, and classified into one of three defensive traits: aposematic, cryptic and shelter-building. Caterpillar species richness and diversity showed a midstory peak, whereas density followed the opposite pattern, decreasing in the midstory and then increasing towards the highest strata. This trend was driven by some highly dense shelter-building caterpillars in the upper canopy. Specialisation indices indicated decreasing levels of caterpillar generality with increasing height, a midstory peak in vulnerability, and increasing connectance towards the upper canopy, although the latter was likely driven by decreasing network size. Both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars had significantly higher parasitism rates than cryptic caterpillars. Our results highlight nuanced changes in caterpillar communities across forest strata and provide evidence that defences strategies are important indicators of parasitism rates in caterpillars and that both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars could be considered a "safe haven" for parasitoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sam Finnie
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Philip Butterill
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Novotny
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Conor Redmond
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Leonardo Ré Jorge
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Tomokazu Abe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Greg P A Lamarre
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado, Balboa, 0843-03092, Ancon, Panama
| | - Vincent Maicher
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Libreville, Gabon
| | - Katerina Sam
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen X, Zhong M, Cui L, Xu J, Dai X, Liu X. Elevational Pattern of Leaf Mine Diversity on Quercus variabilis Blume at Baotianman, Henan, China. INSECTS 2022; 14:7. [PMID: 36661936 PMCID: PMC9861204 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The species composition and diversity pattern of leaf miners on dominant trees in China are poorly understood. Using Hill-based diversity metrics, the elevational patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity for leaf miners on Quercus variabilis Blume at Baotianman were systematically analyzed. Leaf mine types belonged to ten genera and seven families. Different leaf miners had different elevational preferences. Most taxonomic and phylogenetic Hill diversity indices had typical hump-shaped elevational patterns, with a peak at the middle elevation of approximately 875 m. No functional Hill diversity indices presented significant linear or nonlinear trends with altitude. The driving factors behind the elevational distribution patterns of leaf miners require further work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Chen
- Leafminer Group, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Miao Zhong
- Leafminer Group, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Lixing Cui
- Leafminer Group, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jiasheng Xu
- Leafminer Group, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiaohua Dai
- Leafminer Group, School of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Baotianman National Nature Reserve Administrative Bureau, Nanyang 474350, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lev-Yadun S. Avoiding rather than resisting herbivore attacks is often the first line of plant defence. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blab110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
A common idea is that resisting or blocking herbivore attacks by structural, chemical and molecular means after they have commenced is the first line of plant defence. However, these are all secondary defences, operating only when all the various methods of avoiding attack have failed. The real first line of plant defence from herbivory and herbivore-transmitted pathogens is avoiding such attacks altogether. Several visual, chemical and ‘statistical’ methods (and commonly their combined effects) have been proposed to allow avoidance of herbivore attacks. The visual types are camouflage, masquerade, aposematic coloration of toxic or physically defended plants (including Müllerian/Batesian mimicry), undermining herbivorous insect camouflage, delayed greening, dazzle and trickery coloration, heterophylly that undermines host identification, leaf movements, and signalling that colourful autumn leaves are soon to be shed. The mimicry types include: herbivore damage, insects and other animals, fungal infestation, dead/dry leaves or branches, animal droppings, and stones and soil. Olfactory-based tactics include odour aposematism by poisonous plants, various repelling volatiles, mimicry of faeces and carrion odours, and mimicry of aphid alarm pheromones. The ‘statistical’ methods are mast fruiting, flowering only once in many years and being rare. In addition to the theoretical aspects, understanding these mechanisms may have considerable potential for agricultural or forestry applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simcha Lev-Yadun
- Department of Biology & Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa – Oranim, Tivon 36006, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rojas JC, Kolomiets MV, Bernal JS. Nonsensical choices? Fall armyworm moths choose seemingly best or worst hosts for their larvae, but neonate larvae make their own choices. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197628. [PMID: 29795622 PMCID: PMC5967860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting optimal host plants is critical for herbivorous insects, such as fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an important maize pest in the Americas and Africa. Fall armyworm larvae are presumed to have limited mobility, hence female moths are presumed to be largely responsible for selecting hosts. We addressed host selection by fall armyworm moths and neonate and older (3rd-instar) larvae, as mediated by resistance and herbivory in maize plants. Thus, we compared discrimination among three maize cultivars with varying degrees of resistance to fall armyworm, and between plants subjected or not to two types of herbivory. The cultivars were: (i) susceptible, and deficient in jasmonic acid (JA) production and green leaf volatiles (GLV) emissions (inbred line B73-lox10); (ii) modestly resistant (B73), and; (iii) highly resistant (Mp708). The herbivory types were: (i) ongoing (= fall armyworm larvae present), and; (ii) future (= fall armyworm eggs present). In choice tests, moths laid more eggs on the highly resistant cultivar, and least on the susceptible cultivar, though on those cultivars larvae performed poorest and best, respectively. In the context of herbivory, moths laid more eggs: (i) on plants subject to versus free of future herbivory, regardless of whether plants were deficient or not in JA and GLV production; (ii) on plants subject versus free of ongoing herbivory, and; (iii) on plants not deficient in compared to deficient in JA and GLV production. Neonate larvae dispersed aerially from host plants (i.e. ballooned), and most larvae colonized the modestly resistant cultivar, and fewest the highly resistant cultivar, suggesting quasi-directional, directed aerial descent. Finally, dispersing older larvae did not discriminate among the three maize cultivars, nor between maize plants and (plastic) model maize plants, suggesting random, visually-oriented dispersal. Our results were used to assemble a model of host selection by fall armyworm moths and larvae, including recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Rojas
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael V. Kolomiets
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Julio S. Bernal
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Christian N, Sullivan C, Visser ND, Clay K. Plant Host and Geographic Location Drive Endophyte Community Composition in the Face of Perturbation. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 72:621-632. [PMID: 27341838 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0804-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
All plants form symbioses with endophytic fungi, which affect host plant health and function. Most endophytic fungi are horizontally transmitted, and consequently, local environment and geographic location greatly influence endophyte community composition. Growing evidence also suggests that identity of the plant host (e.g., species, genotype) can be important in shaping endophyte communities. However, little is known about how disturbances to plants affect their fungal symbiont communities. The goal of this study was to test if disturbances, from both natural and anthropogenic sources, can alter endophyte communities independent of geographic location or plant host identity. Using the plant species white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima; Asteraceae), we conducted two experiments that tested the effect of perturbation on endophyte communities. First, we examined endophyte response to leaf mining insect activity, a natural perturbation, in three replicate populations. Second, for one population, we applied fungicide to plant leaves to test endophyte community response to an anthropogenic perturbation. Using culture-based methods and Sanger sequencing of fungal isolates, we then examined abundance, diversity, and community structure of endophytic fungi in leaves subjected to perturbations by leaf mining and fungicide application. Our results show that plant host individual and geographic location are the major determinants of endophyte community composition even in the face of perturbations. Unexpectedly, we found that leaf mining did not impact endophyte communities in white snakeroot, but fungicide treatment resulted in small but significant changes in endophyte community structure. Together, our results suggest that endophyte communities are highly resistant to biotic and anthropogenic disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Christian
- Evolution, Ecology and Behavior Program, Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Courtney Sullivan
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Noelle D Visser
- Evolution, Ecology and Behavior Program, Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Keith Clay
- Evolution, Ecology and Behavior Program, Department of Biology, Indiana University, 1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Caterpillar mimicry by plant galls as a visual defense against herbivores. J Theor Biol 2016; 404:10-14. [PMID: 27220745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Plant galls, induced by arthropods and various other organisms have an intimate relationship with host plants, and gall-inducers have limited mobility. In addition to their own photosynthesis, galls are resource sinks rich with nutrients, with neighboring plant organs commonly serving as external photosynthate sources. Galls, if not well defended, may therefore be attractive food sources for herbivores. Galls produced by some aphids, jumping plant lice, thrips, and gall midges in Japan, Palearctic region and in the Middle East visually resemble lepidopteran caterpillars. I propose that such visual resemblance may reduce herbivory of galls and surrounding plant tissues, resulting in an increase in galler survival due to reduced gall damage and in enhanced galler growth due to improved nutrient inflow to the galls, when herbivores avoid colonizing or consuming plant parts that look as if they have been occupied by other herbivores. Potential predators and parasitoids of caterpillars may be attracted to the caterpillar-like galls and then attack real caterpillars and other invertebrate herbivores, which would also be beneficial for both gallers and their hosts.
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu WH, Dai XH, Xu JS. Revisión de las influencias de los insectos minadores de hojas en sus plantas huésped. COLLECTANEA BOTANICA 2015. [DOI: 10.3989/collectbot.2015.v34.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Los insectos minadores de hojas son un grupo de herbívoros cuyas larvas viven y se alimentan del interior de las hojas. Lo que denominamos minas son las diferentes marcas que quedan en las hojas y que pueden proporcionar valiosa información acerca de las relaciones planta-insecto. La mayoría de minadores son monófagos u oligófagos. Los ecólogos y paleontólogos los usan para estudiar las interacciones y la coevolución entre plantas, insectos y sus enemigos naturales. Existen numerosos tipos de patrones de minas en las hojas, que pueden producir diferentes impactos en la planta hospedadora. Si los comparamos con los insectos ectófagos, los minadores de hojas pueden tener una influencia muy característica en numerosos aspectos de la planta hospedadora, como por ejemplo la morfología y la química foliar, la fisiología de la planta y su crecimiento y producción. Entre los impactos más evidentes, podemos nombrar asimetría foliar, formación de callos, fotosíntesis e «islas verdes». La tipología y el gravedad de estos impactos varían según en tipo de insecto minador y de planta hospedadora. Además, los cambios funcionales que se producen en la planta hospedadora pueden a su vez tener efectos positivos o negativos en la oviposición y la alimentación de los minadores. El estudio de los mecanismos de defensa de la planta hospedadora para combatir a los minadores puede resultar de gran utilidad para entender la coevolución entre ambos organismos.
Collapse
|
8
|
Yamazaki K, Lev-Yadun S. Dense white trichome production by plants as possible mimicry of arthropod silk or fungal hyphae that deter herbivory. J Theor Biol 2015; 364:1-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
9
|
|
10
|
La Rocca N, Pupillo P, Puppi G, Rascio N. Erythronium dens-canis L. (Liliaceae): an unusual case of change of leaf mottling. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2014; 74:108-117. [PMID: 24291157 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Erythronium dens-canis is an early-flowering understory lily of southern Europe with two leaves and a single flower, although a number of plants have only one leaf and do not flower. The leaves are mottled with silvery flecks and brown patches, that gradually vanish turning to a lively green color. The nature and function of this striking variegation pattern were investigated in differently colored leaf parts following the springtime color change. Tissue organization was examined by light and electron microscopy; photosynthetic pigments were analyzed by spectrophotometry and HPLC; chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were evaluated by MINI-PAM. The results showed that brown patches originated in vacuolar anthocyanins in the subepidermal cell layer while air spaces between the upper epidermis and underlying chlorenchyma resulted in silvery flecks. The two leaf areas did not differ in photosynthetic pigments, chloroplast organization and photosynthetic parameters (F(v)/F(m), NPQ, rETR). Greening of brown patches due to anthocyanin resorption was faster in non-flowering plants than in flowering ones, occurring only when young fruits were developing. Anthocyanin disappearance did not change the structural-functional features of photosynthetic tissues. As a whole the results suggest that the anthocyanin pigmentation of E. dens-canis leaves does not affect the photosynthetic light use and has no photoprotective function. It is proposed that the complex leaf color pattern may act as a camouflage to escape herbivores, while the reflective silvery spots may have a role in attracting pollinators of this early-flowering species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta La Rocca
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Pupillo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Puppi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 42, I-40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Rascio
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yamazaki K, Lev-Yadun S. Dark axils and nodes in various plant species may serve as defensive mimicry of beetle and beetle faeces. J NAT HIST 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2013.836762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
12
|
Keasar T, Kishinevsky M, Shmida A, Gerchman Y, Chinkov N, Koplovich A, Katzir G. Plant-derived visual signals may protect beetle herbivores from bird predators. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1572-z] [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]
|
13
|
Kemen E, Jones JDG. Obligate biotroph parasitism: can we link genomes to lifestyles? TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 17:448-57. [PMID: 22613788 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2012] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the oomycetes and fungi are evolutionarily very distantly related, both taxa evolved biotrophy on plant hosts several times independently, giving rise to rust- and mildew-like phenotypes. Differences in host colonization and adaptation may be reflected in genome size and by gain and loss of genes. In this opinion article we combine classical knowledge with recently sequenced pathogen genomes and present new hypotheses about the convergent evolution that led to these two distinct phenotypes in obligate biotrophs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Kemen
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|