Anti-predator defence mechanisms in sawfly larvae of Arge (Hymenoptera, Argidae)

Abstract

Larvae of the sawfly Arge (Hymenoptera, Argidae) are exposed to predators such as ants. Their defence mechanisms, which have been almost unstudied, were investigated by behavioural observations coupled to a morphological approach and by testing the bioactivity of several body parts. Arge larvae raised their abdomen when contacted by Myrmica rubra workers. The ants rarely bit a larva and generally retreated immediately, sometimes without contacting it. Most of those few ants that bit a larva then showed an uncoordinated walk. Crude hemolymph from a common species, A. pagana, was a feeding deterrent towards ants. Hemolymph extracts remained active up to a concentration of 0.8 μg DW extract per microlitre solution, and were more active than integument and gut extracts. We also observed ants paralysed by extracts, especially from the gut. It is likely that this toxicity is due to a polypeptide, lophyrotomin, which is known to occur in A. pullata. Six or seven non-eversible ventro-abdominal glands occurred in all species studied ( A. fuscipes, A. nigripes, A. ochropus, A. pagana, A. pullata, A. ustulata). These glands contain volatiles. We consider both types of chemicals to be important in defence, and we propose that the paralysing effect is a common feature among Arge species.