Bigger Larvae Research Articles

Toxicity of some juvenile hormone-active compounds forspodoptera littoralis boisd. larvae

Six juvenile hormone analogues, compounds 6–9550, 8–4314, and 20–3600 of Dr. R. Maag Ltd., Switzerland, and compounds ZR-512, ZR-515 and ZR-619 of Zoecon Corp., U.S.A., were tested against big and medium-size larvae ofS. littoralis Boisd. by topical application. Compounds 6–9550 and 8–4314 were slightly active against big larvae and inactive against medium-size larvae; ZR-512 was moderately active against big and inactive against medium-size larvae. The other three compounds caused 90% mortality in big larvae: 20–3600 at 20μg/larva and ZR-515 and ZR-619 at 5μg/larva. ZR-512 and ZR-619 were less toxic for medium-size larvae than for big larvae, whereas 20–3600 was about equitoxic for larvae of both sizes

Caste control through worker attack in the antMyrmica

Simulation of the way workers attack big larvae in spring has produced evidence that the mechanical component of this alone is sufficient to induce earlier metamorphosis with a consequent switch from queen to worker formation. As the jaws are used and the mandibular glands contain a proteinase normally used in the external digestion of prey, it is highly probable that this, too, is involved in attack. It is shown that the mandibular gland material causes major damage to the cuticle of the larva and may cause it to lose water. Like queens, workers contain fatty acids in their heads and the chain length frequency is quite similar. In both castes the commonest is oleic acid. Applied topically this enters the larva, reduces its growth rate and damages its water-proofing. Water-impermeability can be restored by workers. These fatty acids, however, are not very abundant inMyrmica. They are present in the pharyngeal gland which is used to feed larvae and is very palatable. There is no evidence that it is used topically as a poison though it is certainly able to pass straight in through the larval cuticle; if implanted it is harmless. The mandibular glands of queens and workers have been removed surgically. Workers are still able to rear larvae quite well and are susceptible to the influence of queens, but to a lesser degree than normal. This is either because they are undernourished, as the gland is their main oral source of proteinase, or because they need the mandibular chemicals to raise the intensity of their group aggression. the pharyngeal glands of queens and workers have also been removed. This destroys much of the worker drive towards larvae and leads to their gradual emaciation, probably because some dligestion and absorption takes place there. Larvae lose weight, too, and so the influence of queens on broodrearing cannot be tested.