Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Egg-Laying Butterflies Distinguish Predaceous Ants by Sight

Full text
Author(s):
Sendoya, Sebastian F. [1] ; Freitas, Andre V. L. [1] ; Oliveira, Paulo S. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Zool, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: American Naturalist; v. 174, n. 1, p. 134-140, July 2009.
Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
Web of Science Citations: 63
Abstract

Information about predation risks is critical for herbivorous insects, and natural selection favors their ability to detect predators before oviposition and to select enemy-free foliage when offspring mortality risk is high. Food plants are selected by ovipositing butterflies, and offspring survival frequently varies among plants because of variation in the presence of predators. Eunica bechina butterflies oviposit on Caryocar brasiliense, an ant-defended plant. Experiments with dried Camponotus and Cephalotes ants pinned to leaves revealed that butterflies use ant size and form as visual cues to avoid ovipositing on plant parts occupied by ants more likely to kill larval offspring. Presence of sap-sucking bugs did not affect butterfly oviposition. This is the first demonstration that visual recognition of predators can mediate egg-laying decisions by an insect herbivore and that an insect will discriminate among different species of potential predators. This unusual behavioral capability permits specialization on a risky, ant-defended food plant. (AU)