Lichen Propagules Research Articles

Viability of the epizoic lichen flora carried and dispersed by green lacewing (Nodita pavida) larvae

Specimens of green lacewing (Nodita pavida) larvae were collected in oak–hickory stands in southern Ohio. Lacewing larvae construct and carry 'packets' of cryptogamic vegetation upon their backs, a habit which camouflages them from predators and prey. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to elucidate the attachment and composition of the packets, which consist of lichen soredia and thallus fragments, pieces of bark, moss gametophyte fragments, angiosperm pollen grains, fungal spores, and other plant and insect debris. Rates of net photosynthesis and respiration of lichen diaspores removed from lacewing packets were found to be similar to those of independent lichen thalli growing on trees where the larvae were collected. Viability of lichen propagules on lacewing cocoons attached to the bark substrate was further demonstrated. A discussion is presented in which this unique dispersal mechanism for viable lichen propagules is considered together with the adaptive value of insect camouflage.