A notodontid novelty: Theroa zethus caterpillars use behavior and anti-predator weaponry to disarm host plants.

ABSTRACT: Unlike most notodontids, Theroa zethus larvae feed on plants that emit copious latex when damaged. To determine how the larvae overcome this defense, we filmed final instars on poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, then simulated their behaviors and tested how the behaviors individually and combined affect latex exudation. Larvae initially scraped the stem, petiole, or midrib with their mandibles, then secreted acid from their ventral eversible gland (VEG) onto the abraded surface. Scraping facilitated acid penetration by disrupting the waxy cuticle. As the acid softened tissues, the larvae used their mandibles to compress the plant repeatedly, thereby rupturing the latex canals. Scraping, acid application, and compression created withered furrows that greatly diminished latex exudation dista

SUBMITTER: Dussourd DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6619741 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature