1
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Pagoti GF, Hogan JA, Willemart RH. Habituation to a predatory stimulus in a harvester (Arachnida, Opiliones). Anim Cogn 2024; 27:21. [PMID: 38441671 PMCID: PMC10914851 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-024-01857-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have investigated habituation in a defensive context, but few have addressed responses to dangerous stimuli. In such cases, animals should not habituate since this could cost their lives. Here we have stimulated individuals of the harvester Mischonyx squalidus with a predatory stimulus (squeezing with tweezers) in repeated trials within and between days, and measured the occurrence and magnitude of nipping, a defensive behavior. Contrary to our expectations, they did habituate to this stimulus. The probability and magnitude of response declined over trials during each of three days of testing in a typical habituation pattern. During the trials we also observed other defensive behaviors. We discuss our results mainly considering alternative defensive responses. Our data show that we lack information on (1) the role played by the ambiguity of stimuli, (2) the role played by subsequent stimuli and (3) the importance of the array of defensive behaviors of a species in understanding habituation. Although ubiquitous across animals and therefore expected, habituation is described for the first time in the order Opiliones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ferreira Pagoti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000, Ermelino Matarazzo, São Paulo, SP, 03828-000, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Jerry A Hogan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, 4th Floor Sidney Smith Hall, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000, Ermelino Matarazzo, São Paulo, SP, 03828-000, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, Travessa 14, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
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2
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Chemical and evolutionary analysis of the scent gland secretions of two species of Gonyleptes Kirby, 1819 (Arachnida: Opiliones: Laniatores). CHEMOECOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-023-00380-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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3
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Escalante I, Domínguez M, Gómez-Ruiz DA, Machado G. Benefits and Costs of Mixed-Species Aggregations in Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.766323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals form aggregations with individuals of the same species (single-species aggregations, SSA). Less frequently, individuals may also aggregate with individuals of other species (mixed-species aggregations, MSA). Although the benefits and costs of SSA have been intensively studied, the same is not true for MSA. Here, we first review the cases of MSA in harvestmen, an arachnid order in which the records of MSA are more frequent than other arthropod orders. We then propose several benefits and costs of MSA in harvestmen, and contrast them with those of SSA. Second, using field-gathered data we describe gregariousness in seven species of Prionostemma harvestmen from Costa Rica. These species form MSA, but individuals are also found solitarily or in SSA. We tested one possible benefit and one possible cost of gregariousness in Prionostemma harvestmen. Regarding the benefit, we hypothesized that individuals missing legs would be more exposed to predation than eight-legged individuals and thus they should be found preferentially in aggregations, where they would be more protected from predators. Our data, however, do not support this hypothesis. Regarding the cost, we hypothesized that gregariousness increases the chances of parasitism. We found no support for this hypothesis either because both mite prevalence and infestation intensity did not differ between solitary or aggregated individuals. Additionally, the type of aggregation (SSA or MSA) was not associated with the benefit or the cost we explored. This lack of effect may be explained by the fluid membership of the aggregations, as we found high turnover over time in the number of individuals and species composition of the aggregations. In conclusion, we hope our review and empirical data stimulate further studies on MSA, which remains one of the most elusive forms of group living in animals.
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4
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García LF, Rave C, Arcila K, García C, Robledo-Ospina LE, Willemart RH. Do predators react differently to dangerous and larger prey? The case of a mygalomorph generalist spider preying upon insects. ZOOLOGY 2021; 144:125863. [PMID: 33450622 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prey morphology and size are known to influence a predator's decision to attack and consume particular prey; however, studies that evaluate both traits simultaneously are uncommon. Here, we first described the trophic niche in the mygalomorph spider Paratropis sp. These spiders have a narrow trophic niche and feed mainly on sympatric species such as larvae of lepidopterans and of beetles such as carabids, passalids and scarabeids. Second, we evaluated the effect of prey taxon and size on acceptance and immobilization duration, and built an ethogram of the predator's behaviors. For each prey taxa, we offered large (approximately same size than the spider) and small larvae (approximately half of the size of the spider) of the aforementioned prey. We classified carabid beetle larvae as the most dangerous prey because of their sharp mandibles and predatory habits, followed by scarabeid larvae; lepidopteran and passalids larvae were considered to be non-dangerous prey. We did not find a significant effect of prey taxon or size on spiders' acceptance. Prey size did not affect the time invested on each behavioral category, but prey taxon did. Moreover, although spiders used a similar strategy for capturing prey, they spent more time biting carabid larvae than other prey. Our results suggest that, at least in our study area, prey that are dangerous or the predator's size do not seem to affect Paratropis sp. acceptance per se, but can cause the predator to change the time budget allocated to each behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando García
- Grupo multidisciplinario en Ecología para la Agricultura, Centro Universitario Regional del Este (CURE), Universidad de la República, Treinta y Tres, 33000, Uruguay; Grupo de investigación Biología y Ecología de Artrópodos (BEA), Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia.
| | - Cristhian Rave
- Ecoparque los Yarumos, Red de ecoparque de Manizales, Corporación Megadiversa. Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Grupo de Aracnología Universidad de Caldas (GAUC), Manizales, Colombia
| | - Karla Arcila
- Ecoparque los Yarumos, Red de ecoparque de Manizales, Corporación Megadiversa. Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Universidad Nacional, Sede Manizales, Manizales, Colombia
| | | | - Luis E Robledo-Ospina
- Grupo de Aracnología Universidad de Caldas (GAUC), Manizales, Colombia; Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología A.C. (INECOL), Xalapa, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, Rua Professor Artur Riedel 275, Jardim Eldorado, CEP 09972-270, Diadema, SP, Brazil
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5
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Cáceres NC, Fluck IE. The hard task of a short-tailed mouse opossum (Monodelphis) to prey a harvestman (Arachnida: Opiliones). IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2021014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite the great diversity of small insectivorous mammals and the use of scent gland secretions as a defense mechanism by harvestmen, there is no observation about the effectiveness of scent glands against predators such as small mammals. We report a remarkable harvestman defense mechanism against a small-mammal attack. When a harvestman and a mouse opossum confronted each other inside a cage, the harvestman knocked out the mouse opossum two sequential times before it could attack the harvestman. Although it is a unique observation and there is no information about its frequency in nature, this report stimulates the study of agonistic behavior between small, cryptic species, which are difficult to observe in the field.
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Raspotnig G, Anderl F, Kunert O, Schaider M, Brückner A, Schubert M, Dötterl S, Fuchs R, Leis HJ. A Novel Class of Defensive Compounds in Harvestmen: Hydroxy-γ-Lactones from the Phalangiid Egaenus convexus. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3278-3286. [PMID: 33064479 PMCID: PMC7705963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
When threatened, the harvestman Egaenus convexus (Opiliones: Phalangiidae) ejects a secretion against offenders. The secretion originates from large prosomal scent glands and is mainly composed of two isomers of 4-hydroxy-5-octyl-4,5-dihydro-3H-furan-2-one (1), a β-hydroxy-γ-lactone. The compounds were characterized by GC-MS of their microreaction derivatives, HRMS, and NMR. After the synthesis of all four possible stereoisomers of 1, followed by their separation by chiral-phase GC, the absolute configurations of the lactones in the Egaenus secretion was found to be (4S,5R)-1 (90%) and (4S,5S)-1 (10%). Hydroxy-γ-lactones represent a new class of exocrine defense compounds in harvestmen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute
of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Research
Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children’s Hospital, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Felix Anderl
- Institute
of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Olaf Kunert
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Miriam Schaider
- Institute
of Biology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Adrian Brückner
- Division
of Biology and Biological Engineering, California
Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States of America
| | - Mario Schubert
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Dötterl
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roman Fuchs
- Department
of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hans-Jörg Leis
- Research
Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children’s Hospital, 8036 Graz, Austria
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7
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The scent gland chemistry of neogoveid cyphophthalmids (Opiliones): an unusual methyljuglone from Metasiro savannahensis. CHEMOECOLOGY 2019; 29:189-197. [PMID: 31839693 PMCID: PMC6884433 DOI: 10.1007/s00049-019-00288-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
While the chemistries of scent gland secretions from a few selected species of three families of Cyphophthalmi, namely Sironidae, Pettalidae, and Stylocellidae, have already been reported and found to consist of complex blends of naphthoquinones and methyl ketones, nothing is known about the other families. We here report on the secretions of Metasiro savannahensis Clouse and Wheeler (Zootaxa 3814:177–201, 2014), a first representative of the family Neogoveidae. The secretions from males, females and one juvenile were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Twenty-five compounds were identified, all of which belong to the chemical classes of naphthoquinones and methyl ketones, confirming a hypothesized chemical uniformity of cyphophthalmid exudates. One major naphthoquinone compound, however, was new for cyphophthalmids and for arthropod exocrine secretions in general: a methyljuglone isomer, 6-methyljuglone (= 6-MJ; iupac name: 5-hydroxy-6-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), amounted for about 20% of the secretion and was eventually identified by synthesis. Hydroxy-naphthoquinones and their derivatives are known to possess a variety of antibiotic effects, probably enhancing the antimicrobial/antifungal potential of the Metasiro-secretion. Currently, without further data on neogoveids, the compound represents a chemical autapomorphy of M. savannahensis, and—just as the strange chloro-naphthoquinones of Sironidae and Pettalidae—adds to the repertoire of unusual naphthoquinone compounds across the Cyphophthalmi.
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8
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Segovia JMG, Murayama GP, Willemart RH. Sexual differences in weaponry and defensive behavior in a neotropical harvestman. Curr Zool 2019; 65:553-558. [PMID: 31616486 PMCID: PMC6784509 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual differences in morphology can evolve by sexual selection and/or natural selection. In some species, only males have morphological structures that are used as weapons. Since some weapons may also be used for defensive purposes, males and females may behave differently towards predators. In some species of harvestmen (Arachnida and Opiliones), males have sharp apophyses ("spines") on their 4th pair of legs whereas females lack them. Those apophyses are used in male-male fights and in antipredatory behaviors. The harvestmen antipredatory repertory also encompasses passive defenses such as thanatosis (death feigning), retaliation (attack on predators), and chemical defense. Due to the sexual differences on weaponry, we hypothesized that males and females of Mischonyx cuspidatus (Gonyleptidae) rely on different defensive strategies. We experimentally induced males and females to perform 3 defensive behaviors: thanatosis, pinching with legs, and chemical release. We predicted that females would engage more in passive and chemical defenses than males, whereas males would rely more on retaliation than females. As expected, females performed thanatosis more often than males. Likewise, males performed retaliation more often than females. We did not find differences in the rate of chemical defense use between the sexes. This study provides evidence that due to sexual dimorphism, alternative antipredatory behaviors may have been selected in the different sexes in M. cuspidatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio M G Segovia
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel P Murayama
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo H Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola, de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Pagoti GF, Portela E, Campanha JS, Dias JM, Willemart RH. On the function of the spoon-shaped pedipalps of harvestmen in the family Cosmetidae (Opiliones, Laniatores). J NAT HIST 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2019.1692086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ferreira Pagoti
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erika Portela
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Jessica Silva Campanha
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jessica Morais Dias
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Silva MS, Willemart RH, Carbayo F. Sticky flatworms (Platyhelminthes) kill armored harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) but are not immune to the prey′s weapons. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - R. H. Willemart
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução Universidade Federal de São Paulo Campus Diadema Diadema SP Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA) Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - F. Carbayo
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Zoologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo SP Brazil
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11
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Yuan ML, Wang IJ. Sodium ion channel alkaloid resistance does not vary with toxicity in aposematic Dendrobates poison frogs: An examination of correlated trait evolution. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29534110 PMCID: PMC5849323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial heterogeneity in the strength or agents of selection can lead to geographic variation in ecologically important phenotypes. Many dendrobatid frogs sequester alkaloid toxins from their diets and often exhibit fixed mutations at NaV1.4, a voltage-gated sodium ion channel associated with alkaloid toxin resistance. Yet previous studies have noted an absence of resistance mutations in individuals from several species known to sequester alkaloid toxins, suggesting possible intraspecific variation for alkaloid resistance in these species. Toxicity and alkaloid profiles vary substantially between populations in several poison frog species (genus Dendrobates) and are correlated with variation in a suite of related traits such as aposematic coloration. If resistance mutations are costly, due to alterations of channel gating properties, we expect that low toxicity populations will have reduced frequencies and potentially even the loss of resistance alleles. Here, we examine whether intraspecific variation in toxicity in three dendrobatid frogs is associated with intraspecific variation in alleles conferring toxin resistance. Specifically, we examine two species that display marked variation in toxicity throughout their native ranges (Dendrobates pumilio and D. granuliferus) and one species with reduced toxicity in its introduced range (D. auratus). However, we find no evidence for population-level variation in alkaloid resistance at NaV1.4. In fact, contrary to previous studies, we found that alkaloid resistance alleles were not absent in any populations of these species. All three species exhibit fixed alkaloid resistance mutations throughout their ranges, suggesting that these mutations are maintained even when alkaloid sequestration is substantially reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Yuan
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ian J. Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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12
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Albín A, Toscano-Gadea CA. Predation among armored arachnids: Bothriurus bonariensis (Scorpions, Bothriuridae) versus four species of harvestmen (Harvestmen, Gonyleptidae). Behav Processes 2015; 121:1-7. [PMID: 26470886 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural selection shapes prey-predator relationships and their behavioral adaptations, which seek to maximize capture success in the predator and avoidance in the prey. We tested the ability of adults of the scorpion Bothriurus bonariensis (Bothriuridae) to prey on synchronous and sympatric adults harvestmen of Acanthopachylus aculeatus, Discocyrtus prospicuus, Parampheres bimaculatus and Pachyloides thorellii (Gonyleptidae). In 72.5% of the cases B. bonariensis tried to prey on the harvestmen. The most successful captures occurred in the trials against A. aculeatus and D. prospicuus. In all the successful attacks the scorpions stung the prey between the chelicerae and consumed them, starting by the anterior portion of their bodies. The harvestmen used different defensive strategies such as fleeing before or after contact with the predator, exudating of chemical substances or staying still at the scorpion's touch. When scorpions contacted the chemical substances secreted by the harvestmen, they immediately rubbed the affected appendix against the substrate. However, exudating of chemical substances did not prevent, in any case, predation on the harvestmen. This is the first study showing the ability of scorpions to prey on different species of harvestmen, as well as the capture and defensive behaviors used by the predator and the prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Albín
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11.600 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos A Toscano-Gadea
- Laboratorio de Etología, Ecología y Evolución, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Avenida Italia 3318, 11.600 Montevideo, Uruguay.
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13
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Nazareth TM, Machado G. Egg Production Constrains Chemical Defenses in a Neotropical Arachnid. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134908. [PMID: 26331946 PMCID: PMC4557954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Female investment in large eggs increases the demand for fatty acids, which are allocated for yolk production. Since the biosynthetic pathway leading to fatty acids uses the same precursors used in the formation of polyketides, allocation trade-offs are expected to emerge. Therefore, egg production should constrain the investment in chemical defenses based on polyketides, such as benzoquinones. We tested this hypothesis using the harvestman Acutiosoma longipes, which produces large eggs and releases benzoquinones as chemical defense. We predicted that the amount of secretion released by ovigerous females (OFs) would be smaller than that of non-ovigerous females (NOF). We also conducted a series of bioassays in the field and in the laboratory to test whether egg production renders OFs more vulnerable to predation. OFs produce less secretion than NOFs, which is congruent with the hypothesis that egg production constrains the investment in chemical defenses. Results of the bioassays show that the secretion released by OFs is less effective in deterring potential predators (ants and spiders) than the secretion released by NOFs. In conclusion, females allocate resources to chemical defenses in a way that preserves a primary biological function related to reproduction. However, the trade-off between egg and secretion production makes OFs vulnerable to predators. We suggest that egg production is a critical moment in the life of harvestman females, representing perhaps the highest cost of reproduction in the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taís M. Nazareth
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, no. 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508–900, Brazil
| | - Glauco Machado
- LAGE do Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav. 14, no. 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508–900, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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14
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Segovia JMG, Hara MR, Pagoti GF, Sannomiya M, Santos DYAC, Willemart RH. The Scent Glands of the Neotropical Harvestman Discocyrtus pectnifemur: Morphology, Behavior and Chemistry. J Chem Ecol 2015; 41:716-23. [PMID: 26271673 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Harvestmen have a pair of scent glands that open through ozopores. The literature suggests a link between the morphology of the ozopore area and the emission of a defensive secretion. A previous study on a species that aggregates in open areas, where individuals are probably more easily spotted by predators, showed that this defensive secretion causes conspecifics to flee. However, it is unknown whether this behavior occurs in species that aggregate in sheltered areas, where prey are harder to find. Herein, we describe the morphology of the ozopore area, the mode of emission of the defensive secretion, and its chemical composition in the harvestman Discocyrtus pectinifemur. We also tested if the defensive secretion is used as an alarm pheromone. We found that D. pectinifemur releases the defensive secretion in different ways, one of them being as a jet. Emission as a jet contrasts with that known for all congeners previously studied, and is in accord with the expected morphology of the ozopore. We found that the defensive secretion of D. pectinifemur does not function as an alarm pheromone. The composition of the defensive secretion, a mixture of quinones, is congruent with those already described for the clade that includes Discocyrtus. Our results support the link between the morphology of the scent glands area and the emission behavior of the defensive secretion, and they suggest that the alarm pheromone function in harvestmen may be dependent on ecological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio M G Segovia
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Ryotaro Hara
- Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ferreira Pagoti
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Miriam Sannomiya
- Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Deborah Y A C Santos
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 277, 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Ecologia Sensorial e Comportamento de Artrópodes (LESCA), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Escola de Artes Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Arlindo Béttio, 1000 - Ermelino Matarazzo, 03828-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Petersen C, Hermann RJ, Barg MC, Schalkowski R, Dirksen P, Barbosa C, Schulenburg H. Travelling at a slug's pace: possible invertebrate vectors of Caenorhabditis nematodes. BMC Ecol 2015; 15:19. [PMID: 26170141 PMCID: PMC4501285 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-015-0050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background How do very small animals with limited long-distance dispersal abilities move between locations, especially if they prefer ephemeral micro-habitats that are only available for short periods of time? The free-living model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and several congeneric taxa appear to be common in such short-lived environments, for example decomposing fruits or other rotting plant material. Dispersal is usually assumed to depend on animal vectors, yet all current data is based on only a limited number of studies. In our project we performed three comprehensive field surveys on possible invertebrate vectors in North German locations containing populations of C. elegans and two related species, especially C. remanei, and combined these screens with an experimental analysis of persistence in one of the vector taxa. Results Our field survey revealed that Caenorhabditis nematodes are commonly found in slugs, isopods, and chilopods, but are not present in the remaining taxonomic groups examined. Surprisingly, the nematodes were frequently isolated from the intestines of slugs, even if slugs were not collected in close association with suitable substrates for Caenorhabditis proliferation. This suggests that the nematodes are able to enter the slug intestines and persist for certain periods of time. Our experimental analysis confirmed the ability of C. elegans to invade slug intestines and subsequently be excreted alive with the slug feces, although only for short time periods under laboratory conditions. Conclusions We conclude that three invertebrate taxonomic groups represent potential vectors of Caenorhabditis nematodes. The nematodes appear to have evolved specific adaptations to enter and persist in the harsh environment of slug intestines, possibly indicating first steps towards a parasitic life-style. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12898-015-0050-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Petersen
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Ruben Joseph Hermann
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Mike-Christoph Barg
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Rebecca Schalkowski
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Philipp Dirksen
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Camilo Barbosa
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Hinrich Schulenburg
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics, Zoological Institute Christian-Albrechts University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
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Silva NFDS, Willemart RH. Foraging, oviposition sites and notes on the natural history of the harvestman Heteromitobates discolor (Opiliones, Gonyleptidae). BIOTA NEOTROPICA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1676-06032015018614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The lack of data on the natural history often hampers phylogenetic studies on the evolution of behavior. Herein we provide quantitative field data on foraging and oviposition sites of a Neotropical harvestman belonging to a subfamily with a published phylogeny, Goniosomatinae. Heteromitobates discolor rests during the day on granitic boulders on rivers, laying eggs in sheltered and darker areas. The female guard the eggs and aggressively respond to approaching conspecific females. In the absence of the female, ants, conspecifics and reduviids may predate the eggs. Egg-guarding females are known not to leave the clutch, but males and non-guarding females may leave the granitic boulders and forage on the vegetation at night, close to the river margins and with no difference in the sites explored between males and females. The general features described in H. discolor are similar to what has been reported for other species in this subfamily, suggesting an evolutionary conservatism within the group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
- Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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Segovia JM, Del-Claro K, Willemart RH. Delicate fangs, smart killing: the predation strategy of the recluse spider. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Raspotnig G, Schaider M, Föttinger P, Leutgeb V, Komposch C. Benzoquinones from scent glands of phalangiid harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Eupnoi): a lesson from Rilaena triangularis. CHEMOECOLOGY 2014; 25:63-72. [PMID: 25774074 PMCID: PMC4353884 DOI: 10.1007/s00049-014-0177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In case of disturbance, the phalangiine harvestman Rilaena triangularis (Eupnoi, Phalangiidae) emits a directed jet from large prosomal scent ("defensive") glands. The pungent-smelling secretion was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found to contain mainly 1,4-benzoquinone along with 1,4-naphthoquinone and caprylic (=octanoic) acid. While various alkylated benzoquinones are characteristic for the scent gland secretions of many grassatorean Laniatores, this is the first incidence of benzoquinone-based chemical defense in palpatorean harvestmen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Medical University, University Children’s Hospital, Auenbruggerplatz 30, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Miriam Schaider
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Föttinger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Leutgeb
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Komposch
- Institute of Animal Ecology and Landscape Planning, ÖKOTEAM, Bergmanngasse 22, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Gasch T, Vilcinskas A. The chemical defense in larvae of the earwig Forficula auricularia. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 67:1-8. [PMID: 24879968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Larvae of the European earwig, Forficula auricularia, possess a paired pygidial gland with yet unknown content and function. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the larval secretions revealing the presence of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, n-tridecane and n-pentadecane. Based on our recent discovery that the morphologically-distinct abdominal glands of adult earwigs produce secretions with antibacterial, antifungal and nematicidal activity, we propose that the pygidial glands mediate chemical defenses in the larvae. We next considered whether the defensive functions of larval secretions include repellent activity against sympatric predators. Therefore, we tested the effects of larval secretions on foraging workers of the ant species Myrmica rubra, the actively hunting spiders Anyphaena accentuata and Philodromus aureolus and the net-hunting spider Pholcus phalangioides in laboratory feeding assays. The secretion is released in response to ant attacks, and discourages feeding in M. rubra, however, it does not discourage feeding in spiders. Our results suggest that earwigs use different glands during ontogenesis to produce secretions that play roles in chemical defense against predators such as ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Gasch
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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20
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Gasch T, Schott M, Wehrenfennig C, Düring RA, Vilcinskas A. Multifunctional weaponry: the chemical defenses of earwigs. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:1186-1193. [PMID: 24090659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Earwigs protect themselves against predators using pincer-like cerci and/or malodorous exudates secreted from abdominal glands. Little is known about the chemistry of these secretions and their potential functions. However, because earwigs live in aggregations and overwinter in soil, they are exposed to high microbial loads throughout their lifecycle, and we therefore hypothesized that the secretions are used not only to deter predators but also to combat pathogens and parasites in their environment. We analyzed the defensive secretions of the European earwig Forficula auricularia, the short-winged earwig Apterygida media and the woodland earwig Chelidurella guentheri by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The secretions of all three species contained 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, whereas A. media also produced 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. The latter has not been identified in the exudates of insects before. The composition and/or quantity of these components were species-specific and partially sex-specific. All secretions showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as two entomopathogenic fungi. Furthermore, the secretion of F. auricularia displayed nematicidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans. Our data support the hypothesis that earwig secretions are multifunctional, serving both to deter predators and sanitize the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Gasch
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Rocha DFO, Wouters FC, Machado G, Marsaioli AJ. First biosynthetic pathway of 1-hepten-3-one in Iporangaia pustulosa (Opiliones). Sci Rep 2013; 3:3156. [PMID: 24193576 PMCID: PMC3818658 DOI: 10.1038/srep03156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropods produce a great variety of natural compounds, many of which have unexplored biosynthesis. Among the armored harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) of the suborder Laniatores, the defensive gland exudates contain vinyl ketones and other constituents of supposed polyketide origin. We have studied the biosynthesis of 1-hepten-3-one in the Neotropical harvestman Iporangaia pustulosa by feeding individuals with ¹³C-labeled precursors, demonstrating its mixed acetate/propionate origin. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy showed an unusual labeling pattern suggesting different propionate sources for starting and extender units. Our analysis also indicates the presence of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, converting acetate into propionyl-CoA via succinyl-CoA, together with other C₃ unit routes. This is the first biosynthetic study of alkyl vinyl ketones in arthropods. Our results shed light on the origin and diversification of chemical compounds in a major arthropod group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F. O. Rocha
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, POB 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe C. Wouters
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, POB 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Glauco Machado
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav.14, no. 321, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anita J. Marsaioli
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, POB 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
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22
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Wouters FC, Rocha DFO, Gonçalves CCS, Machado G, Marsaioli AJ. Additional vinyl ketones and their pyranyl ketones in gonyleptid harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) suggest these metabolites are widespread in this family. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2013; 76:1559-1564. [PMID: 23978079 DOI: 10.1021/np4001569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Four species of gonyleptid harvestmen, Acanthogonyleptes pulcher, Gonyleptes saprophilus (Gonyleptinae), Sodreana barbiellini, and Sodreana leprevosti (Sodreaninae), were examined by GC-MS and ¹³H NMR. All of these species release vinyl ketones, and three of them produce the corresponding pyranyl ketones, which are presumed hetero-Diels-Alder (HDA) dimers. The vinyl ketones 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, rac-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and (S)-4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one were synthesized. Natural 4-methyl-1-hexen-3-one is present as a single stereoisomer and has the R-configuration. Vinyl ketone dimers (HDA dimers) were also observed in the scent gland exudate and characterized by HRMS, ¹³C NMR, and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the pyranyl moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe C Wouters
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas , Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Rocha DFO, Wouters FC, Zampieri DS, Brocksom TJ, Machado G, Marsaioli AJ. Harvestman phenols and benzoquinones: characterisation and biosynthetic pathway. Molecules 2013; 18:11429-51. [PMID: 24043140 PMCID: PMC6270637 DOI: 10.3390/molecules180911429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzoquinones are usually present in arthropod defence exudates. Here, we describe the chemical profiles of 12 harvestman species belonging to the neotropical family Gonyleptidae. Nine of the studied species produced benzoquinones, while three produced alkyl phenols. Two benzoquinones and one phenol exhibited biological activity against bacteria and fungi. We also studied the biosynthesis of 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone by feeding Magnispina neptunus individuals with ¹³C-labelled precursors; the benzoquinones were biosynthesised through a polyketide pathway using acetate and propionate building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F. O. Rocha
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Felipe C. Wouters
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Dávila S. Zampieri
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Timothy J. Brocksom
- Laboratório de Química Bio-Orgânica, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - Glauco Machado
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, trav.14, no. 321, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Anita J. Marsaioli
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, C.P. 6154, 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brasil
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Armed rollers: does nestling's vomit function as a defence against predators? PLoS One 2013; 8:e68862. [PMID: 23874791 PMCID: PMC3707886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical defences against predators are widespread in the animal kingdom although have been seldom reported in birds. Here, we investigate the possibility that the orange liquid that nestlings of an insectivorous bird, the Eurasian roller (Coracias garrulus), expel when scared at their nests acts as a chemical defence against predators. We studied the diet of nestling rollers and vomit origin, its chemical composition and deterrent effect on a mammal generalist predator. We also hypothesized that nestling rollers, as their main prey (i.e. grasshoppers) do from plants, could sequester chemicals from their prey for their use. Grasshoppers, that also regurgitate when facing to a threat, store the harmful substances used by plants to defend themselves against herbivores. We found that nestling rollers only vomit after being grasped and moved. The production of vomit depended on food consumption and the vomit contained two deterrent chemicals (hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids) stored by grasshoppers and used by plants to diminish herbivory, suggesting that they originate from the rollers’ prey. Finally, we showed for the first time that the oral secretion of a vertebrate had a deterrent effect on a model predator because vomit of nestling rollers made meat distasteful to dogs. These results support the idea that the vomit of nestling rollers is a chemical defence against predators.
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Monceau K, Arca M, Leprêtre L, Mougel F, Bonnard O, Silvain JF, Maher N, Arnold G, Thiéry D. Native Prey and Invasive Predator Patterns of Foraging Activity: The Case of the Yellow-Legged Hornet Predation at European Honeybee Hives. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66492. [PMID: 23823754 PMCID: PMC3688903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrary to native predators, which have co-evolved with their prey, alien predators often benefit from native prey naïveté. Vespa velutina, a honeybee predator originating from Eastern China, was introduced into France just before 2004. The present study, based on video recordings of two beehives at an early stage of the invasion process, intends to analyse the alien hornet hunting behaviour on the native prey, Apis mellifera, and to understand the interaction between the activity of the predator and the prey during the day and the season. Chasing hornets spent most of their time hovering facing the hive, to catch flying honeybees returning to the hive. The predation pressure increased during the season confirming previous study based on predator trapping. The number of honeybee captures showed a maximum peak for an intermediate number of V. velutina, unrelated to honeybee activity, suggesting the occurrence of competition between hornets. The number of honeybees caught increased during midday hours while the number of hornets did not vary, suggesting an increase in their efficacy. These results suggest that the impact of V. velutina on honeybees is limited by its own biology and behaviour and did not match the pattern of activity of its prey. Also, it could have been advantageous during the invasion, limiting resource depletion and thus favouring colonisation. This lack of synchronization may also be beneficial for honeybee colonies by giving them an opportunity to increase their activity when the hornets are less effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Monceau
- UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, F-33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Mariangela Arca
- CNRS, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Unité de Recherche IRD 072, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Lisa Leprêtre
- UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, F-33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Florence Mougel
- CNRS, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Unité de Recherche IRD 072, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Olivier Bonnard
- UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, F-33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Jean-François Silvain
- CNRS, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Unité de Recherche IRD 072, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Nevile Maher
- UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, F-33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Gérard Arnold
- CNRS, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
- Unité de Recherche IRD 072, Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes et Spéciation, UPR 9034, CNRS, 91198– Gif-sur-Yvette, France and Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France
| | - Denis Thiéry
- UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, INRA, F-33883 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Université de Bordeaux, ISVV, UMR 1065 Santé et Agroécologie du Vignoble, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, Villenave d’Ornon, France
- * E-mail:
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Dias BC, Willemart RH. The effectiveness of post-contact defenses in a prey with no pre-contact detection. ZOOLOGY 2013; 116:168-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2012.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cook DR, Smith AT, Proud DN, Víquez C, Townsend VR. Defensive Responses of Neotropical Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones) to Generalist Invertebrate Predators. CARIBB J SCI 2013. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v47i3.a20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Caetano DS, Machado G. The ecological tale of Gonyleptidae (Arachnida, Opiliones) evolution: phylogeny of a Neotropical lineage of armoured harvestmen using ecological, behavioural and chemical characters. Cladistics 2013; 29:589-609. [DOI: 10.1111/cla.12009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Caetano
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP 05508-900 Brazil
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP 05508-900 Brazil
| | - Glauco Machado
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo SP 05508-900 Brazil
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Chen JT, Su HJ, Huang JW. Isolation and identification of secondary metabolites of Clitocybe nuda responsible for inhibition of zoospore germination of Phytophthora capsici. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2012; 60:7341-7344. [PMID: 22738079 DOI: 10.1021/jf301570y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites of Clitocybe nuda displayed antimicrobial activity against Phytophthora capsici. The culture filtrate of C. nuda was extracted with ethanol and chromatographically separated on a Sephadex LH-20 column and fractionated on a silica gel column to give eight fractions. These fractions were tested for the ability to inhibit zoospore germination of P. capsici . The most active fraction was further purified by silica gel column chromatography to yield three compounds: 2-methoxy-5-methyl-6-methoxymethyl-p-benzoquinone (1), 6-hydroxy-2H-pyran-3-carbaldehyde (2), and indole-3-carbaldehyde (3), all new to C. nuda. At a concentration of 500 mg/L, compound 3 showed complete inhibition of zoospore germination, while compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibition rates of 97 and 86%, respectively. To our knowledge, compound 1 is a newly discovered compound and, for the other two compounds, this is the first report in C. nuda. These compounds are potential candidates for new edible fungi-derived pesticides for the control of plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Tong Chen
- Division of Plant Pathology, Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute , Council of Agriculture, 189 Zhongzheng Road, Wufeng District, Taichung 41362, Taiwan
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Houghton JE, Townsend VR, Proud DN. The Ecological Significance of Leg Autotomy for Climbing Temperate Species of Harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Sclerosomatidae). SOUTHEAST NAT 2011. [DOI: 10.1656/058.010.0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rocha DFO, Hamilton K, Gonçalves CCS, Machado G, Marsaioli AJ. 6-Alkyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrans: chemical secretion compounds in neotropical harvestmen. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2011; 74:658-663. [PMID: 21361365 DOI: 10.1021/np100719f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The defensive secretions of five neotropical species of harvestmen (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were analyzed and chemically characterized by GC-MS and NMR methods. Three of the species, Cobania picea, Roweria virescens, and Serracutisoma proximum, secrete a mixture of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone. The secretions produced by the other two species, Iporangaia pustulosa and Neosadocus maximus, contain 1-hepten-3-one, 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone (1) as major components, as well as 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone as minor constituents. The dihydropyran 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone (1) is a new natural product, composed of two 1-hepten-3-one subunits formally linked in a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. The natural product was proven to be racemic, and its biogenetic origin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F O Rocha
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, POB 6154 13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Souza EDS, Willemart RH. Harvest-ironman: heavy armature, and not its defensive secretions, protects a harvestman against a spider. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2010.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pomini AM, Machado G, Pinto-da-Rocha R, Macías-Ordóñez R, Marsaioli AJ. Lines of defense in the harvestman Hoplobunus mexicanus (Arachnida: Opiliones): Aposematism, stridulation, thanatosis, and irritant chemicals. BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Machado G, Pomini AM. Chemical and behavioral defenses of the neotropical harvestman Camarana flavipalpi (Arachnida: Opiliones). BIOCHEM SYST ECOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bse.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Burns JA, Hunter RK, Townsend VR. Tree Use by Harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones) in the Rainforests of Trinidad, W. I. CARIBB J SCI 2007. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v43i1.a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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