Chemical egg defense in a green lacewing (Ceraeochrysa smithi)

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 Apr 16;93(8):3280-3. doi: 10.1073/pnas.93.8.3280.

Abstract

The green lacewing Ceraeochrysa smithi (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae), like other members of its family, lays its eggs on stalks, but it is unusual in that it coats these stalks with droplets of an oily fluid. The liquid consists of a mixture of fatty acids, an ester, and a series of straight-chain aldehydes. Relative to the eggs of a congeneric chrysopid that lacks stalk fluid, the eggs of C. smithi proved well protected against ants. Components of the fluid, in an assay with a cockroach, proved potently irritant. Following emergence from the egg, C. smithi larvae imbibe the stalk fluid, thereby possibly deriving nutritive benefit, defensive advantage, or both.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / analysis
  • Animals
  • Ants
  • Body Fluids / chemistry
  • Body Fluids / physiology
  • Cockroaches
  • Female
  • Insecta / physiology*
  • Larva / physiology
  • Oviposition / physiology*
  • Ovum / physiology
  • Predatory Behavior

Substances

  • Aldehydes