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Field Experiments of Pollination Ecology: The Case of Lycoris sanguinea var. sanguinea
Published on: November 25, 2016
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Lycaenids parasitizing symbiotic plant-ant partnerships.
Ulrich Maschwitz1, Martin Schroth1, Heinz Hänel1
1Fachbereich Biologie an der J.W. Goethe Universität, 6000, Frankfurt, Germany.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
The study reveals how Arhopala butterfly caterpillars exploit the Macaranga-Cremastogaster ant symbiosis. These caterpillars use specialized organs to avoid ant aggression, feeding on Macaranga leaves while being protected by the ants.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Symbiosis
Background:
- Macaranga plants and Cremastogaster ants exhibit a mutualistic symbiosis, with ants protecting plants from herbivores and receiving food and shelter.
- This established symbiosis is exploited by Arhopala butterfly caterpillars, which parasitize the system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate interactions between Macaranga plants, Cremastogaster ants, and Arhopala caterpillars.
- To understand the adaptations of Arhopala caterpillars that allow them to thrive within this ant-plant mutualism.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies of the interactions between Macaranga, Cremastogaster, and Arhopala species.
- Analysis of caterpillar morphology and behavior, focusing on myrmecophilic adaptations.
- Examination of host plant specificity and larval adaptations in Arhopala species.
Main Results:
- Arhopala caterpillars possess myrmecophilic organs that enable them to overcome ant aggression and feed on Macaranga leaves.
- Ants provide protection to Arhopala caterpillars and pupae against predators and parasites.
- Larval stages of Arhopala species display cryptic adaptations in color, shape, and behavior, aligning with their specific Macaranga host plants.
Conclusions:
- Arhopala caterpillars are highly adapted to parasitize the Macaranga-Cremastogaster ant symbiosis, benefiting from ant protection.
- The observed monophagy and cryptic adaptations in Arhopala larvae suggest co-evolution with their specific Macaranga host plants.
- Phylogenetic relationships among the studied Arhopala species mirror those of their host Macaranga plants.
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