(1) Laboratoire dEvolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR-CNRS 5174 , Université Toulouse III, Bat. 4R3, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse cedex 4, France;(2) LAPSCO, UMR-CNRS 6024, Université Blaise Pascal, 34 avenue Carnot, 63037 Clermont-Ferrand cedex, France;(3) Laboratoire Environnement de Petit Saut (HYDRECO), BP 823, 97388 Kourou cedex, France
Abstract:
The larvae and pupae of the ladybird Thalassa saginata develop inside colonies of the dolichoderine ant Dolichoderus bidens. This association is the first specific and obligatory relationship recorded between ants and ladybirds. The ants provide shelter and protection to the larvae but the diet of the latter remains unclear. The integration of T. saginata larvae into the ant colonies is achieved by mimicking the cuticular patterns of the ants brood. Moreover, the larvae secrete substances from their hairs and anal gland that are likely to enhance their attractiveness.
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Evolution et Diversité Biologique, UMR-CNRS 5174 , Université Toulouse III, Bat. 4R3, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse cedex 4, France;(2) LAPSCO, UMR-CNRS 6024, Université Blaise Pascal, 34 avenue Carnot, 63037 Clermont-Ferrand cedex, France;(3) Laboratoire Environnement de Petit Saut (HYDRECO), BP 823, 97388 Kourou cedex, France
brood. Moreover, the larvae secrete substances from their hairs and anal gland that are likely to enhance their attractiveness.