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Butterfly anti-aphrodisiac lures parasitic wasps

Author

Listed:
  • Nina E. Fatouros

    (Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin
    Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University)

  • Martinus E. Huigens

    (Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University)

  • Joop J. A. van Loon

    (Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University)

  • Marcel Dicke

    (Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University)

  • Monika Hilker

    (Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin)

Abstract

Insect parasites: fatal repulsion Some parasitic wasps can locate their insect hosts by intercepting their chemical communications. An intriguing refinement of this technique has now been discovered. The tiny wasp Trichogramma brassicae intercepts an anti-aphrodisiac passed from male to female large white butterflies during mating, to make them less attractive to rival males. A wasp detecting the odour of a mated female butterfly first hitches a ride, then parasitizes the new-laid eggs. This strategy, if widespread, could severely limit the evolution of sexual communication between hosts.

Suggested Citation

  • Nina E. Fatouros & Martinus E. Huigens & Joop J. A. van Loon & Marcel Dicke & Monika Hilker, 2005. "Butterfly anti-aphrodisiac lures parasitic wasps," Nature, Nature, vol. 433(7027), pages 704-704, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:433:y:2005:i:7027:d:10.1038_433704a
    DOI: 10.1038/433704a
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