Influence of food and larval age on the defensive chemistry of Saturnia pyri

Scolus secretions and hemolymph of caterpillars of Saturnia pyri fed with two different foodplants (Crataegis monogyna, Prunus spinosa) were chemically analyzed and their chemical similarities determined. The secondary-compound patterns obtained for the two body fluids showed no significant differences when compared between the two groups of alternatively fed last-instar larvae. Thus, the composition of these fluids of full-grown caterpillars is not influenced by the larval diet. However, younger larvae on P. spinosa revealed a diversity of compounds differing significantly from that of larger caterpillars fed with either C. monogyna (both body fluids) or P. spinosa (hemolymph only). This indicates that, on the one hand, the hemolymph composition is adapted to the changing physiological requirements of the given instars whereas, on the other hand, the defensive mixtures remain unaltered in the late larval instars due to a constant spectrum of potential enemies.     

Volatile constituents of larval osmeterial secretions in Papilio protenor demetrius

Remarkable differences were found between the chemical composition of the osmeterial secretions of 5th and the previous larval instars of a swallowtail, Papilio protenor demetrius Cr.The secretion of 5th instar larvae consisted principally of aliphatic acids and their esters: iso-butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, methyl iso-butyrate, methyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl iso-butyrate and ethyl 2-methylbutyrate. The secretions of 4th and 3rd instar larvae, which were substantially the same in their chemical constitution, predominantly comprised mono- and sesquiterpenoids such as α-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, β-phellandrene, (Z)-β-ocimene, (E)-β-ocimene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene-B and caryophylleneoxide. The relative content of sesquiterpenic components exceed 80%.Such chemical disparity appeared to be associated with the conspicous change of body colouration at the fourth larval ecdysis.     

Pyrrolidonyl and pyridyl alkaloids in Lymantria dispar

The occurrence and metabolism of nicotine and related N-containing compounds in body fluids of the gipsy moth were addressed. Thin layer chromatographic studies clearly showed the simultaneous presence of GABA and 2-pyrrolidone but not of GABamide in the larval haemolymph and osmeterial secretion of Lymantria dispar as well as in the corresponding body fluids of the saturniids, Saturnia pavonia and Attacus atlas. Furthermore, feeding and injection experiments using alkylated precursors and combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry gave evidence of the transformation of 2-pyrrolidone to nicotine and of nicotinic acid to nicotinamide in caterpillars of L. dispar. Based on these results, on the earlier described variation of the secondary-compound patterns of L. dispar during its development, and on literature data, metabolic pathways for the hitherto detected pyridyl and pyrrolidonyl alkaloids in Lymantriidae (and possibly Saturniidae) are proposed.     

The humoral immune response of sheep to antigens from larvae of the sheep blowfly (Lucilia cuprina)

The sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, is a myiasis-causing insect whose larvae evoke an immune response in sheep. By means of an immuno-dot blot and Western immuno-blot assays it has been demonstrated that sheep experimentally infected with larvae produce antibodies against a wide array of components from all three larval instars, with each instar displaying a differing set of antigens. The electrophoretic profiles of the proteins in various larval extracts and the patterns of antibody reactivity were very different. Of the extracts tested (1st, 2nd and 3rd instar larval excretions/secretions and visceral homogenates, extracts of 3rd instar salivary glands, mid guts, haemolymph and cuticle) the most intense antibody reaction was detected against the salivary gland extract: preparations of larval excretions/secretions and from the larval mid gut also reacted strongly. In contrast a cuticle extract reacted minimally with infected sheep sera.     

Osmeterial secretions of papilionid larvae in the genera Luehdorfia,Graphium and Atrophaneura (lepidoptera)

The osmeterial secretions of Luehdorfia larvae (two species and one subspecies) are chemically characterized as monoterpene hydrocarbons consisting mainly of α-pinene, β-myrcene (major component), limonene and terpinolene, whereas those of Atrophaneura larvae (one species) are marked by sesquiterpenic compounds (the principal component being δ-cadinene). In contrast, the osmetrical secretions of Graphium larvae (two species) predominantly consist of a mixture of aliphatic acids and esters (iso-butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid and their methyl and ethyl esters). In all the species examined of the three genera, the secretions of the last and the penultimate larval instars were of similar composition, which is unlike the results reported previously for larvae of Papilio protenor.     

不同光照强度下兴安落叶松对舞毒蛾幼虫生长发育及防御酶的影响

为了探讨舞毒蛾对光照环境变化引起的落叶松抗性的变化是如何响应的,分析了不同光照强度处理的兴安落叶松对舞毒蛾幼虫生长发育状况和生理指标变化的影响。研究发现,取食50%和25%光照强度下生长的落叶松后,舞毒蛾幼虫平均体重、蛹重、化蛹率和羽化率与对照组相比均显著下降（P<0.05）。幼虫体内保护酶SOD、POD、CAT和解毒酶ACP、AKP、CarE、GSTs、MFO活性与对照组(100% 光照)相比均显著降低（P<0.05）且除CAT外在50%光照强度下降低最为显著（P<0.05）;4龄和5龄幼虫取食同一光强处理的落叶松后,SOD、POD、CarE、GSTs和MFO活性5龄显著低于4龄（P<0.05）,ACP和AKP活性5龄却显著高于4龄（P<0.05）,表明昆虫在不同的发育阶段启用不同的排毒酶系。光照差异对取食人工饲料的舞毒蛾生长发育和排毒代谢酶活性均没有显著影响,说明舞毒蛾生长发育和酶活性的变化是因寄主植物抗性的影响而非光照强度的作用。本研究结果表明,采取适当的营林措施调节林分内的光照条件,可以提高落叶松的自主抗虫性,增强其抵御害虫危害的能力,有效控制害虫危害,减少化学农药的施用量。     

Effectiveness of the defence mechanism of the turnip sawfly, Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), against predation by lizards

The turnip sawfly, Athalia rosae Linnaeus, is a pest on cruciferous crops. Larvae sequester secondary plant compounds, namely glucosinolates, in their haemolymph. When attacked, their integument is easily disrupted and a droplet of haemolymph is exuded ('easy bleeding'). This has been shown to be an effective, chemical-based, defence against invertebrate predators. The efficiency of this proposed defence was tested against a vertebrate predator, using groups of the iguanid lizard Anolis carolinensis Voigt as a model predator. Caterpillars of Pieris rapae Linnaeus and Pieris brassicae Linnaeus served as control prey species that do not sequester glucosinolates. Lizards attacked far fewer sawfly larvae than pierid caterpillars. Several of the sawfly larvae were rejected after an initial attack, demonstrating unpalatability to the lizards, while the Pieris larvae were not rejected. However, P. rapae larvae topically treated with extracts of haemolymph of A. rosae had no deterrent effect on the lizards and no avoidance learning occurred over a period of two weeks. Adult sawflies do not easy bleed but have glucosinolates carried over from the larval stage. Lizards attacked them at a higher rate than larvae and they were never rejected. The results suggest that for the defensive effectiveness of the pest sawfly species against vertebrates the chemical cue is not necessarily sufficient. Movement and colour may be important additional factors triggering the behaviour of vertebrate predators.     

Juvenile hormone inhibits the synthesis of major larval haemolymph proteins in rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica

Larval haemolymph proteins (LHP), LHP49 and LHP46 are produced in the penultimate and last larval instars. Starvation during the early and mid stage of last instar development prevents the production of both LHPs. Decapitation in early and mid last instar stimulates LHP synthesis and their concentration in haemolymph increases, while ligation in last instar larvae blocks the production of LHPs. Application of exogenous JH lowers the synthesis of LHP49 and LHP46 in Corcyra. These observations suggests that LHP49 and LHP46 synthesis is activated during the periods when JH titres are either low or undetectable.     

Leaf toughness changes the effectiveness of larval aggregation in the butterfly Byasa alcinous bradanus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Two subspecies of the papilionid butterfly Byasa alcinous , B. a. bradanus and B. a. alcinous , have varying degrees of larval aggregation. Early instar larvae of ssp. bradanus always occur in aggregations. To determine the functions of larval aggregation in this subspecies, we examined the effects of leaf toughness on larval performance when caterpillars were reared alone and in aggregations. Newly hatched larvae were reared either individually or in groups of 10 and were fed either tough or tender leaves of Aristolochia debilis . When fed tough leaves, more gregarious larvae survived the first instar. This difference between solitary and aggregated larvae did not occur when caterpillars were fed soft leaves. The effects of aggregation on larval weight and duration were not significant between leaf-toughness treatments. Larval aggregation of B. a. bradanus improves larval survivorship in early instars that use host plants with tough leaves.     

Understanding gregariousness in a larval Lepidopteran: the roles of host plant, predation, and microclimate

Abstract.  1. Many moth and butterfly larvae are gregarious early in development, but become solitary in late instars. This ontogenetic variation in behaviour is probably the result of temporal changes in the costs and benefits associated with gregariousness. This study provides observational and experimental evidence that, in one particular moth species, a series of different ecological factors influence larval behaviour at different times during development.
2. Field observations show that young caterpillars of the limocodid Doratifera casta form large aggregations while foraging, but that mature larvae are largely solitary.
3. A field experiment revealed that individual first to third instar larvae in larger groups develop more rapidly, but that group size had no detectable influence on survival. The developmental advantage associated with gregariousness is affected by host plant species, but not by predator exclusion, suggesting that group living in these cryptic early instar larvae promotes feeding facilitation, but does not provide individuals with protection from natural enemies.
4. Laboratory experiments revealed that aposematic fourth instar caterpillars in large groups were less likely to be attacked by a generalist insect predator than those in small groups.
5. Field observations provided no evidence that group living affects body temperature, suggesting that microclimatic factors do not favour gregariousness in this species.
6. It is concluded that gregariousness in D. casta confers at least two different advantages on larvae at different stages early in development, but that these advantages disappear, or are outweighed by costs associated with intraspecific competition, in final instars.     

马尾松毛虫过氧化氢酶及过氧化物酶与耐药性的关系

马尾松毛虫Dendrolimus punctatus幼虫体内存在着过氧化氢酶(CAT)和过氧化物酶(POD)。4龄幼虫的CAT和POD活力较大,其次是6龄幼虫,5龄幼虫的CAT和POD活力较4龄和6龄幼虫低。醚菊酯(etofenprox)处理后,在兴奋期(30 min),CAT和POD活力水平上升。4龄和6龄幼虫在抑制期(50 min以后),CAT和POD活力呈波动式上升,接近死亡时下降。5龄幼虫的CAT和POD活力呈波动式上升,接近死亡时下降。5龄幼虫的CAT在抑制期保持比正常虫体高的活力。结果表明,马尾松毛虫4龄、5龄和6龄幼虫与耐药性存在一定的相关性,研制酶的抑制剂具有实用意义。根据毒力测定结果,马尾松毛虫幼虫对醚菊酯的耐药力,5龄是4龄的1.43倍,6龄是4龄的1.72倍。因此,药物防治的合理时期应掌握在4龄以前较适宜。     

The parasitoidCotesia glomerata (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) discriminates between first and fifth larval instars of its hostPieris brassicae,on the basis of contact cues from frass,silk, and herbivore-damaged leaf tissue

Adult females of the larval parasitoidCotesia glomerata (L.) respond to chemical cues associated with feeding damage inflicted on cabbage plants by its host,Pieris brassicae (L.). The use of these infochemicals by the parasitoid during selection of the most suitable host instar was investigated. The parasitoid can successfully parasitize first-instar host larvae, while contacts with fifth-instar larvae are very risky since these caterpillars react to parasitization attempts by biting, spitting, and hitting, resulting in a high probability of the parasitoid being seriously injured or killed. Observations of the locomotor behavior of individual wasps on leaves with feeding damage inflicted by the first and the fifth larval instars and on host silk and frass showed that several cues affect the duration of searching by the parasitoids after reaching a leaf: cues on the margin of the feeding damage and cues in the host frass and silk. Whole frass, silk, and hexane extracts of frass obtained from first-instar elicited parasitoid's searching behavior significantly longer than frass, silk, and hexane extract of frass from the fifth instar. The results demonstrate thatC. glomerata can discriminate between first instars, which are more suitable hosts, and fifth instars ofP. brassicae without contacting the caterpillars, by exploiting instar-related cues.     

Inhibition of juvenile hormone esterase activity in Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera, Lymantriidae) larvae parasitized by Glyptapanteles liparidis (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

Glyptapanteles liparidis is a gregarious, polydnavirus (PDV)-carrying braconid wasp that parasitizes larval stages of Lymantria dispar. In previous studies we showed that parasitized hosts dramatically increase juvenile hormone (JH) titers, whereas JH degradation is significantly inhibited in the hemolymph. Here we (i) quantified the effects of parasitism on JH esterase (JHE) activity in hemolymph and fat body of penultimate and final instars of L. dispar hosts and (ii) assessed the relative contribution of individual and combined wasp factors (PDV/venom, teratocytes, and wasp larvae) to the inhibition of host JHE activity. The effects of PDV/venom was investigated through the use of gamma-irradiated wasps, which lay non-viable eggs (leading to pseudoparasitization), while the effects of teratocytes and wasp larvae were examined by injection or insertion of these two components in either control or pseudoparasitized L. dispar larvae. Parasitism strongly suppressed host JHE activity in both hemolymph and fat body irrespective of whether the host was parasitized early (premolt-third instar) or late (mid-fourth instar). Down-regulation of JHE activity is primarily due to the injection of PDV/venom at the time of oviposition, with only very small additive effects of teratocytes and wasp larvae under certain experimental conditions. We compare the results with those reported earlier for L. dispar larvae parasitized by G. liparidis and discuss the possible role of JH alterations in host development disruption.     

A binding site for Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab toxin is lost during larval development in two forest pests

The insecticidal activity and receptor binding properties of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1A toxins towards the forest pests Thaumetopoea pityocampa (processionary moth) and Lymantria monacha (nun moth) were investigated. Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, and Cry1Ac were highly toxic (corresponding 50% lethal concentration values: 956, 895, and 379 pg/microl, respectively) to first-instar T. pityocampa larvae. During larval development, Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac toxicity decreased with increasing age, although the loss of activity was more pronounced for Cry1Ab. Binding assays with (125)I-labelled Cry1Ab and brush border membrane vesicles from T. pityocampa first- and last-instar larvae detected a remarkable decrease in the overall Cry1Ab binding affinity in last-instar larvae, although saturable Cry1Ab binding to both instars was observed. Homologous competition experiments demonstrated the loss of one of the two Cry1Ab high-affinity binding sites detected in first-instar larvae. Growth inhibition assays with sublethal doses of Cry1Aa, Cry1Ab, and Cry1Ac in L. monacha showed that all three toxins were able to delay molting from second instar to third instar. Specific saturable binding of Cry1Ab was detected only in first- and second-instar larvae. Cry1Ab binding was not detected in last-instar larvae, although specific binding of Cry1Aa and Cry1Ac was observed. These results demonstrate a loss of Cry1Ab binding sites during development on the midgut epithelium of T. pityocampa and L. monacha, correlating in T. pityocampa with a decrease in Cry1Ab toxicity with increasing age.     

舞毒蛾谷胱甘肽S-转移酶对杨树次生物质协同溴氰虫酰胺的胁迫响应

为了明确舞毒蛾Lymantria dispar谷胱甘肽S-转移酶(GST)对杨树次生物质协同溴氰虫酰胺的胁迫响应机制,选择3种杨树次生物质(黄酮、槲皮素、芦丁)以及新型邻二苯甲酰胺类杀虫剂溴氰虫酰胺作为胁迫外源化合物,以舞毒蛾2龄幼虫为研究对象,通过人工饲料添加次生物质和溴氰虫酰胺的单剂和混剂,测定对舞毒蛾存活率、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶活性及其基因表达影响。结果表明,处理48 h后,3种联合处理组舞毒蛾幼虫的存活率显著低于对照组和各杨树次生物质单剂处理组,存活率依次为53.33%、60.00%和53.33%,各联合处理组幼虫存活率与溴氰虫酰胺处理组差异不显著。除处理6 h外,不同杨树次生物质单剂处理后GST活性均诱导增加。溴氰虫酰胺处理组在48 h内GST活性显著高于单剂处理组和对照组。除联合处理1在6 h、12 h的GST诱导活性低于溴氰虫酰胺处理组外,各联合处理组的GST诱导活性均高于溴氰虫酰胺处理组。舞毒蛾2龄幼虫取食含有不同处理的人工饲料后,其体内LdGSTe2、LdGSTs1、LdGSTs2和LdGSTz1均有所表达,且不同处理的诱导程度呈现差异。以上研究结果为杨树次生物质协同溴...     

Predation capacity and prey preference of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chrysoperla carnea</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris brassicae</Emphasis>

The predation capacity and prey preference of larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on eggs or larvae of Pieris brassicae (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the absence and presence of cabbage aphids as an alternative prey were evaluated in laboratory experiments at 25°C. Both instars preyed upon butterfly eggs and larvae as well as on cabbage aphids with the third instar being the most voracious. The lacewings had a strong preference for caterpillars to butterfly eggs. In the presence of the aphids the predation on P. brassicae eggs or larvae was either completely abandoned or reduced by about 70%, respectively, by second instar lacewings and either reduced by about 80% or maintained, respectively, by third instar lacewings. Both instars thus had a clear preference for aphids compared to eggs of P. brassicae. However, second instar lacewings preferred aphids to caterpillars whereas the opposite was the case for third instar lacewings. The results indicate that 3rd instar C. carnea has a potential as biocontrol agent against P. brassicae.     

甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性及其与酶活力的关系

【目的】明确甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)不同龄期幼虫对甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐和毒死蜱的敏感性及其与羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶活性的相关性。【方法】采用室内生物测定方法检测甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性,并检测了不同龄期幼虫体内羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶的活力。【结果】在所测定的5个龄期中,随龄期增加,敏感性逐渐降低,其中1~5龄幼虫对甲氨基阿维菌素苯甲酸盐的LC50分别为0.1010、0.3561、0.7568、1.4325和8.4390 mg/L,对毒死蜱的LC50分别为27.4632、46.8495、87.5222、129.3217和1 356.6770 mg/L。单头幼虫的羧酸酯酶、多功能氧化酶、谷胱甘肽S-转移酶和乙酰胆碱酯酶活力随虫龄的增加而提高,与龄期间对药剂的敏感性呈负相关(由于外源化合物摄入量减少,5龄单头幼虫的多功能氧化酶活力略有降低)。【结论】甜菜夜蛾不同龄期幼虫对药剂的敏感性存在非常明显的差异,在田间防治中,应选择对杀虫剂敏感性较高的低龄幼虫作为最佳防治时期。     

Development and feeding efficiency of Malacosoma neustrium larvae reared with Quercus spp. leaves

Observations on larval development of Malacosoma neustrium were conducted both in a cork oak stand and in the laboratory by using leaves of different host trees (cork oak, holm oak and downy oak) as food source. Instars were determined using head capsule and frass measurements. In the field the larvae progressed up to the fifth instar before pupating, and the increase in head capsule width followed Dyars Rule with a rate of increase (R.I.) value of 1.74. The same number of instars was determined for the larvae reared with cork oak (R.I. = 1.73) and holm oak (R.I. = 1.70) leaves. The caterpillars reared with downy oak foliage completed larval development in five, six and seven instars and the R.I. values obtained were 1.60, 1.52 and 1.44 respectively. A lower mortality was recorded for the larvae reared on holm oak. Growth and feeding indices were determined for the larvae from the third up to the last instar. The highest leaf consumption was detected for the fifth instar larvae reared on holm oak. For the caterpillars which completed five instars before pupating, the relative consumption rate (RCR) decreased from the third up to the fifth instar: from 4.8 to 1.7 (cork oak), from 7.4 to 3.3 (holm oak) and from 14.3 to 2.1 (downy oak). The relative growth rate (RGR) was highest during the fourth stadium (0.24, 0.27 and 0.33 for larvae reared with cork oak, holm oak and downy oak leaves respectively) and decreased in the fifth instar (0.09, 0.14 and 0.14 for larvae reared with cork oak, holm oak and downy oak leaves respectively), probably because of greater expense of energy due to the approach of maturity. Feeding and growth indices could be useful to define a defoliation prediction model.     

Group size effects on survivorship and adult development in the gregarious larvae of Euselasia chrysippe (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae)

Caterpillars living in aggregations may derive several benefits that outweigh the costs, including better survivorship and improved growth rates. I tested whether larval group size had an effect on these two vital rates in Euselasia chrysippe. These caterpillars feed gregariously during all instars and move in processionary form over the host plant and even pupate together. There was a positive relationship between group size and larval survivorship in the field, although genetic variability was not taken into account in this experiment. Under laboratory conditions, there was also a positive relationship between group size, and larval growth rate and adult weight. This supports the hypothesis that aggregations facilitate feeding and larval growth. Single sixth instar larvae in the laboratory also had a lower survivorship than larvae in groups. These results provide further evidence of the benefits of group living for gregarious caterpillars.     

Determinants of predation on phytophagous insects: the importance of diet breadth

To evaluate the role of predation in the evolution of diet specialization and to determine the effectiveness of various larval defenses, we offered lepidopteran larvae to colonies of the tropical ant Paraponera clavata. We recorded behavioral and physical characteristics of prey items and used log-linear models to analyze their importance as deterrents to predation by P. clavata. The most important determinant of probability of prey rejection by P. clavata was a prey's diet breadth; specialists were rejected by the ants significantly more than generalists. Other less important, but significant, predictors of prey rejection included ontogeny, morphology and chemistry. Late instar caterpillars were rejected more frequently than early instars, hairy caterpillars were rejected more frequently than caterpillars with other morphologies, and one caterpillar species with an unpalatable extract was rejected more frequently than two species with palatable extracts.