Host behavior modification of Achaearanea tingo (Araneae: Theridiidae) induced by the parasitoid wasp Zatypota alborhombarta (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Autor(es)

Gonzaga, Marcelo O. ^[1] ; Loffredo, Ana Paula ^[2] ; Penteado-Dias, Angelica M. ^[2] ; Cardoso, Joao Custodio F. ^[3]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Inst Biol, Campus Umuarama, Bloco 2D, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Ecol & Biol Evolut, BR-13560 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Uberlandia, Posgrad Ecol & Conservacao Recursos Nat, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ENTOMOLOGICAL SCIENCE; v. 19, n. 2, p. 133-137, APR 2016.
• Citações Web of Science: 4

Resumo

Behavioral manipulation involving Zatypota (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) parasitoids and their spider hosts is usually associated with an increase in web complexity at the location where the parasitoid larva builds its cocoon. A higher number of web threads at this location may improve stability and provide a physical barrier against potential predators. However, we observed that parasitized individuals of Achaearanea tingo attacked by Z. alborhombarta change the three-dimensional structure of their webs to a very simple and strong structure composed of two cables attached to the surrounding vegetation. This structure holds the curled leaf formerly used by the spider as a shelter. The parasitoid larva remains protected within this shelter after killing the host. The architectural pattern of the cocoon webs of A. tingo indicates that host manipulation is characterized by the repetition of one specific subroutine involved in web construction. Similar alterations have been previously described for cocoon webs constructed by parasitized orb-weavers, but not for the three-dimensional webs of theridiids. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 08/57949-4 - Instituto de Estudos dos Hymenoptera Parasitóides da Região Sudeste Brasileira - IEHYPA - Sudeste
• Beneficiário: Angélica Maria Penteado Martins Dias
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático