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Variation in behavior of lycaenid larvae when attended by different ant species

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Abstract

Partner quality can be crucial for the outcome of a mutualistic interaction. In multi-species associations, the characteristics of potential partners can vary substantially and thus the associated benefits. As a consequence of such variation, one might expect strategies of adjusting investments to the characteristics of a partner. Lycaenid butterfly larvae often interact mutualistically with several ant species of different size and aggressiveness and thereby different ability to protect the larvae. Attending ants are rewarded with nutritious secretions. Both ant behavior and a larva's need for protection are known to influence larval investment in the relationship. This study investigates the effect of six ant species on larval behavior in the lycaenid butterfly, Glaucopsyche lygdamus. The overall level of secretion, as well as the response to varying number of attending ants, were found to be influenced by ant species.

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  1. Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden

    Annkristin H. Axén

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Axén, A.H. Variation in behavior of lycaenid larvae when attended by different ant species. Evolutionary Ecology 14, 611–625 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010975422243

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