Volledige titel:
Ant semiochemicals limit apterous aphid dispersal
Auteur(s):
Thomas H. Oliver, Alla Mashanova, Simon R. Leather,
James M. Cook and Vincent A. A. Jansen
Gepubliceerd in:
Proceedings B
Jaar van publicatie:
2007
Abstract:
Some organisms can manipulate the nervous systems of others or alter their physiology in order to obtain
benefit. Ants are known to limit alate aphid dispersal by physically removing wings and also through
chemical manipulation of the alate developmental pathway. This results in reduced dispersal and higher
local densities of aphids, which benefit ants in terms of increased honeydew and prey availability. Here, we
show that the walking movement of mutualistic apterous aphids is also reduced by ant semiochemicals.
Aphids walk slower and their dispersal from an unsuitable patch is hampered by ants. If aphid walking
dispersal has evolved as a means of natural enemy escape, then ant chemicals may act as a signal indicating
protection; hence, reduced dispersal could be adaptive for aphids. If, however, dispersal is primarily a
means to reduce competition or to maintain persistent metapopulations, then manipulation by ants could
be detrimental. Such manipulation strategies, common in host–parasite and predator–prey interactions,
may be more common in mutualism than expected.
Webadres:
http://personal.rhul.ac.uk/ujba/115/prs07.pdf
Ant semiochemicals limit apterous aphid dispersal
Auteur(s):
Thomas H. Oliver, Alla Mashanova, Simon R. Leather,
James M. Cook and Vincent A. A. Jansen
Gepubliceerd in:
Proceedings B
Jaar van publicatie:
2007
Abstract:
Some organisms can manipulate the nervous systems of others or alter their physiology in order to obtain
benefit. Ants are known to limit alate aphid dispersal by physically removing wings and also through
chemical manipulation of the alate developmental pathway. This results in reduced dispersal and higher
local densities of aphids, which benefit ants in terms of increased honeydew and prey availability. Here, we
show that the walking movement of mutualistic apterous aphids is also reduced by ant semiochemicals.
Aphids walk slower and their dispersal from an unsuitable patch is hampered by ants. If aphid walking
dispersal has evolved as a means of natural enemy escape, then ant chemicals may act as a signal indicating
protection; hence, reduced dispersal could be adaptive for aphids. If, however, dispersal is primarily a
means to reduce competition or to maintain persistent metapopulations, then manipulation by ants could
be detrimental. Such manipulation strategies, common in host–parasite and predator–prey interactions,
may be more common in mutualism than expected.
Webadres:
http://personal.rhul.ac.uk/ujba/115/prs07.pdf