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[Blues' larvae as sugar suppliers for ants]
Ulrich Maschwitz1, Margarete Wüst1, Klaus Schurian1
1Fachbereich Biologie, Zoologisches Institut der Universität Frankfurt/M., Frankfurt/Main, Deutschland.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
Ants form symbiotic relationships with Provence chalk-hill Blue (Lysandra hispana) caterpillars, which provide a nutrient-rich sugary secretion. This mutualistic interaction benefits both species, with ants receiving food and caterpillars gaining protection.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Chemical Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
Context:
- The Provence chalk-hill Blue (Lysandra hispana) butterfly larvae exhibit a unique interaction with ants in their natural habitat.
- Ants actively recruit colony members to trails leading to these caterpillars, indicating a significant relationship.
Purpose:
- To investigate the nature of the interaction between Lysandra hispana larvae and ants.
- To analyze the composition of the secretion produced by the larvae and its role in the symbiotic relationship.
Summary:
- Lysandra hispana larvae possess an abdominal gland that secretes a nutrient-rich fluid, primarily composed of sugars (fructose, sucrose, trehalose, glucose) and minor protein/amino acids.
- This secretion, with sugar concentrations exceeding 10%, serves as a food source for visiting ants, contrasting sharply with the larvae's hemolymph carbohydrate content of approximately 2%.
- The larvae can produce this secretion frequently, with intervals under 2 minutes for extended periods, facilitating consistent ant visitation and recruitment.
Impact:
- This study elucidates a specific example of insect-insect symbiosis, highlighting the complex ecological strategies employed by Lycaenid butterflies.
- The findings contribute to our understanding of mutualistic relationships in insect communities and the chemical ecology driving these interactions.
- The research provides insights into the nutritional basis and behavioral mechanisms underpinning the symbiotic association between Lysandra hispana larvae and ants.
