Chemical defence in ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae). II. Amount of reflex fluid,the alkaloid adaline and individual variation in defence in 2-spot ladybirds (Adalia bipunctata) |
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Authors: | Peter W de Jong Graham J Holloway Paul M Brakefield Helene de Vos |
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Institution: | (1) Section of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Population Biology, University of Leiden, Schelpenkade 14a, 2313 ZT Leiden, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | Summary 2-spot ladybirds secrete alkaloid (adaline)-rich defence fluid (reflex blood) in response to predator attack. Reflex fluid was collected from individual ladybirds and weighed and the alkaloid content measured by GC. The amount of fluid produced built up rapidly following winter hibernation in animals feeding on aphids. The concentration of adaline in the fluid was highest in the first bleeding after winter hibernation. A large sample of beetles was reflex bled several times. Significant among beetle variation was found in the amount of fluid produced and the concentration of the reflex blood. The results are discussed in relation to the possibility that 2-spot ladybirds are Batesian mimics of 7-spot ladybirds and to the possible functions of adaline. |
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Keywords: | chemical defence mimicry reflex bleeding variation alkaloid adaline Coleoptera Coccinellidae Adalia bipunctata |
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