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Behavioral and morphological adaptations of the coccinellid,Platynaspis luteorubra for exploiting ant-attended resources (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

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Abstract

Larvae of the coccinellidPlatynaspis luteorubra were found significantly more often in ant-attended aphid colonies than in unattended colonies. The larva ofP. luteorubra are protected against detection by the antLasius niger by their unusual shape, by inconspicuous movements, and presumably by chemical camouflage. Pupae were attacked byL. niger but protected by their dense hair cover. Adults were also attacked and responded either by fleeing or by pressing their body tightly against the plant surface. Fourth-instar larvae foraging in ant-attended aphid colonies had a higher success rate in capturing large prey items and benefitted from this by higher adult weights. Larval parasitism was higher in individuals feeding in unattended than in ant-attended colonies.

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  1. Department of Animal Ecology, University of Bayreuth, D-95440, Bayreuth, Germany

    Wolfgang Völkl

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Völkl, W. Behavioral and morphological adaptations of the coccinellid,Platynaspis luteorubra for exploiting ant-attended resources (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). J Insect Behav 8, 653–670 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01997236

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