Abstract
ABSTRACT. . Caterpillars of the genus Malacosoma follow trails of the chemical 5‐beta‐cholestane‐3,24‐dione, but nothing is known of how they perceive this compound, or more generally about the sensory basis of trail following in caterpillars. By selective ablations of chemosensory organs we show that, in Malacosoma, the trail chemical is perceived by the maxillary palpi. In another lepidopteran species, Yponomeuta cagnagellus, the palpi are needed to discriminate their own trails from a trail of Malacosoma. Malacosoma larvae also lose their specificity for conspecific trails when their palpi are ablated. Volatile cues evidently do not play a role in trail‐following behaviour, since neither Malacosoma nor Yponomeuta can orient on a trail covered with fine nylon mesh. These data indicate that for Malacosoma, and probably also for Yponomeuta, contact chemoreception mediated by the maxillary palpi is the primary mode of pheromone perception. The evolution of receptor sensitivity to trail chemicals in caterpillars is discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
