at Google ScholarTitle data
Bogner, Franz X. ; Eisner, Thomas:
Chemical basis of pupal cannibalism in a caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix).
In: Experientia.
Vol. 48
(1992)
Issue 1
.
- pp. 97-102.
ISSN 1420-9071
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01923618
Abstract in another language
The moth Utetheisa ornatrix derives protection against predation from systemic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pas) that it sequesters as a larva from its foodplants (Leguminosae, Crotalaria spp.). We here show, in laboratory tests, that Utetheisa deficient in body PA can make up for the chemical shortfall by cannibalizing pupae. We present evidence indicating that cannibalism in larvae is elicited not by hunger, but possibly by PA deficiency itself, and that in making cannibalistic larvae prefer PA-containing or PA-free pupae. Pas themselves, either in crystalline form or as additives to food items, proved phagostimulatory to larvae. In nature Utetheisa tend to pupate away from their food-plant, essentially out of reach of larval attack. The threat of cannibalism may have contributed to the evolution of this pupation behavior. Key wordsLepidoptera; Arctiidae; pyrrolizidine alkaloids; cannibalism; acquired defence; phagostimulation; specific hunger.
Further data
| Item Type: | Article in a journal |
|---|---|
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Additional notes: | BAYCEER24534 |
| Institutions of the University: | Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology > Former Professors > Chair Didactics of Biology - Univ.-Prof. Dr. Franz Xaver Bogner Faculties Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology > Chair Didactics of Biology Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Biology > Former Professors |
| Result of work at the UBT: | Yes |
| DDC Subjects: | 500 Science |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Jan 2016 08:02 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2016 08:02 |
| URI: | https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/29771 |