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Selection on insect immunity in the wild.

Jens Rolff¹, Michael T Siva-Jothy

¹Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK. jor@sheffield.ac.uk

Proceedings. Biological Sciences

|October 12, 2004

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We studied immune enzyme phenoloxidase (PO) in damselflies. Positive selection favored higher PO activity, suggesting it’s crucial for survival and reproduction in wild insects.

Area of Science:

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Immunology
Behavioral Ecology

Background:

Investigating immune function selection in wild populations is limited, particularly in invertebrates.
Phenoloxidase (PO) is a critical enzyme in insect immunity, involved in melanization and pathogen defense.
Understanding selection pressures on immune traits is vital for explaining their evolution and maintenance.

Purpose of the Study:

To measure the strength and direction of selection on phenoloxidase (PO) activity in a wild damselfly population (Calopteryx xanthostoma).
To assess selection on a sexually selected trait, wing-spot quality, in relation to immune function.
To determine the role of immune enzyme activity in reproductive success within a natural setting.

Main Methods:

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Individually marked male damselflies were monitored from the pre-reproductive adult stage.

Lifetime mating success was recorded for each marked individual.

Phenoloxidase (PO) activity was measured, likely after an immune challenge, and wing-spot quality was assessed.

Main Results:

Significant positive selection was detected for phenoloxidase (PO) activity, indicating that higher enzyme levels enhanced mating success.
No significant selection was found for wing-spot quality, despite its role in female courtship displays.
These findings suggest immune function, specifically PO activity, is a key factor influencing fitness in this wild population.

Conclusions:

Phenoloxidase (PO) activity is under positive selection in wild damselflies, directly impacting reproductive success.
Sexual selection on visual traits (wing spots) may be less important than immune function in this context.
Annual variations in parasite pressure likely drive the observed selection on PO activity, highlighting the dynamic nature of host-parasite interactions.