Electrophoretic Patterns in Hemolymph Protein of Cabbage Looper1 during Development of the Parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae2,3

Abstract

The electrophoretic hemolymph protein patterns of 4th- and 5th-stage larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (H¼bner), were studied during development of the internal parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae (Viereck). Parasitized larvae contained fewer protein bands 2 days following parasitization than did nonparasitized larvae. However, as the parasitoid developed the number and concentration of the bands increased. The general patterns of parasitized larvae resembled those of nonparasitized individuals. Two additional fractions were observed in parasitized larvae; both were of relatively high electrophoretic mobility. One was observed only in 5th-stage larvae 5 and 6 days following parasitism, the other frequently in all but 4th-stage larvae shortly after parasitism. The latter fraction was found also in larvae exposed to female parasitoids but in which parasite progeny could not be found. Developmental rates of parasitized larvae differed from nonparasitized individuals. Insects parasitized in early 4th stage did not appear to progress beyond late 4th stage even 6 days following parasitism.