Chemical defence, offence and alliance in ants-aphids-ladybirds relationships

Chemicals, which mediate the interactions between aphids, ladybirds and ants, are reviewed. Special emphasis is laid on autogenous and plant-derived chemical defence in aphids and ladybirds. Evidences for chemical cues used during foraging and oviposition in ladybirds are assessed. Possible mutualis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Population ecology 2007, Vol.49 (1), p.5-14
Main Author: Pasteels, Jacques M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal communication
Aphididae
Biochemistry
Chemical communication
Chemical ecology
Defense
Egg laying
Entomology
Foraging
Foraging behavior
Formicidae
Indirect plant-defence
Insects
Legumes
oviposition
Piracy
Rape plants
Sequestration
Toxicity
Toxins
Trophic levels
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Summary:Chemicals, which mediate the interactions between aphids, ladybirds and ants, are reviewed. Special emphasis is laid on autogenous and plant-derived chemical defence in aphids and ladybirds. Evidences for chemical cues used during foraging and oviposition in ladybirds are assessed. Possible mutualistic interaction between plants and the third trophic level is illustrated by the as yet few reports of indirect plant-defence volatiles induced by aphids or coccids attracting parasitoids or ladybirds. The use of chemical signals allowing aphid parasitoids or ladybirds to squeeze into ant-aphid mutualistic association is briefly described. Questions are raised and hypotheses suggested which could stimulate further research on aphid host-plant influence on ladybird foraging behaviour and fitness, and on the cues used by aphid-web partners for their mutual recognition.
ISSN:1438-3896
1438-390X
DOI:10.1007/s10144-006-0023-3