| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 2
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| Affiliation: | [1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment; v. 45, n. 1, p. 11-19, 2010. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 18 |
| Abstract | |
The natural history and morphology of immature stages of Allosmaitia strophius (Godart) are described and illustrated for the first time, using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The available host plant records for the genus were reviewed suggesting a feeding specialization on reproductive structures of Malpighiaceae. Both concentration of resources in the reproductive tissue of Malpighiaceae and the existence of sequential flowering periods may be important factors involved in the evolution of oligophagy in Allosmaitia. Field and laboratory observations showed that larvae of A. strophius are ignored by tending ants besides the presence of the dorsal nectar organ (DNO). Additionally, larvae present some behavioral and morphological adaptations that were proposed as preventing ant attacks, such as dendritic setae, thick cuticle, perforated cupola organs and absence of a ``beat reflex{''}. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 98/05101-8 - Lepidoptera of the State of São Paulo: diversity, distribution, resources, and use for analysis and environmental monitoring |
| Grantee: | Keith Spalding Brown Junior |
| Support Opportunities: | BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 02/08558-6 - Biodiversity and social processes in São Luiz do Paraitinga, São Paulo |
| Grantee: | Paulo Inácio de Knegt López de Prado |
| Support Opportunities: | BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants |