Piezo mediates oviposition in shielding gaps to protect moth eggs from parasitoid wasp

Where to lay eggs is critical for insect females to avoid risks and ensure offspring survival. Females of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, deposit their eggs inside narrow slits to evade predators. However, the sensory mechanism by which they choose the optimal slit for egg laying remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the requirement of mechanosensation for selecting oviposition slit. Females preferentially deposit eggs in the leaf sheath or in folded paper gaps, thereby shielding their eggs from parasitism by Trichogramma dendrolimi. Specifically, females prefer the opening of 0.5 mm in rigid gaps. Surgical ablation of ovipositor bristles leads to disrupted gap selection and increased parasitism. Mechanosensitive receptor Piezo is found within these bristles and responds to the mechanical deflection of a single bristle. Piezo mutants show random egg laying and vulnerability to parasitoids. Collectively, our findings provide insight into the involvement of mechanosensation in insect egg-laying site choice.