Chemically Insignificant Social Parasites Exhibit More Anti-Dehydration Behaviors than Their Hosts.

ABSTRACT: Social parasites have evolved adaptations to overcome host resistance as they infiltrate host colonies and establish there. Among the chemical adaptations, a few species are chemically "insignificant"; they are poor in recognition cues (cuticular hydrocarbons) and evade host detection. As cuticular hydrocarbons also serve a waterproofing function, chemical insignificance is beneficial as it protects parasites from being detected but is potentially harmful because it exposes parasites to desiccation stress. Here I tested whether the social parasites Polistes atrimandibularis employ behavioral water-saving strategies when they live at Polistes biglumis colonies. Observations in the field showed that parasites were less active than their cohabiting host foundresses, spent more time at the nes

SUBMITTER: Lorenzi MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8624806 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature