The ovipositor of parasitic insect is a highly specialized organ and crucial for parasitising. Morphology and structure of the ovipositor in female Macrocentrus cingulum, a polyembryonic parasitoid, are observed in SE...The ovipositor of parasitic insect is a highly specialized organ and crucial for parasitising. Morphology and structure of the ovipositor in female Macrocentrus cingulum, a polyembryonic parasitoid, are observed in SEM studies. The ovipositor of M. cingulum consists of the valvulae 1, 2 and 3. The valvulae 1 and 2 of ovipositor house in the valvulae 3 at rest and the valvulae 1 and 2 part from the valvulae 3 at probing and ovipositing. The cross-section of valvulae 3 shows that the valvulae 3 is hollow which may reduce the weight of ovipositor and make the ovipositor more flexible. The distal end of stylus （valvulae l, 2） becomes extremely sharp and the piercing tip of valvulae 1 and 2 form the arrangement of tongue-and-groove. This arrangement may support valvulae 2 slide longitudinally along the valvulae 1. Numbers of pores are distributed on the cuticle of the valvulae l and 2. The piecing tip of valvulae 1 and 2 have more pores than proximal and intermediate region. The out side of valvulae 3 is completely covered with chactica sensilla and the distal end of valvulae 3 has more sensilla than proximal and intermediate region. The function and structure of ovipositor of M. cingulum was discussed and compared with other species.展开更多
The conservation behavior framework is useful to identify key linkages between behavior and conservation practice. We apply this framework to a novel host-parasite system on the Galapagos Islands and ask if there have...The conservation behavior framework is useful to identify key linkages between behavior and conservation practice. We apply this framework to a novel host-parasite system on the Galapagos Islands and ask if there have been changes in parasite oviposition behavior and host mortality patterns across the first decade （2004-2013） of its known association. The Dipteran parasite Philornis downsi was first discovered in Darwin＇s finch nests in 1997 and is the biggest threat to the survival of Galapagos land birds. Host mortality has increased over the past decade. In Dipterans, pupation and pupae size are determined by access to host resources. Here, we test the hypothesis that P downsi flies are laying eggs in finch nests earlier in the nestling phase to maximize larval feeding time and therefore chance of pupation success before host death. The results show fewer 1st instar larvae later in the host nesting cycle in support of earlier egg laying behavior by female flies. Between 2004 and 2013, parasite intensity increased from -28 to -48 parasites per nest, host mortality increased from -50% to -90%, and host age at death decreased from -11 to -5 days. The earlier age at host death was correlated with fewer pupae （from -50% to -20%） and smaller pupae size （-10% decrease）. Changes in parasite behavior reveal new fitness costs to both the parasite and Darwin＇s finches. These findings un- derscore the need for urgent conservation action to save Darwin＇s finches from extinction due to a novel, lethal and introduced parasite [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 542-550, 2014].展开更多
基金Acknowledgements： This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 30370195）. We thank Mr QIU, H. G and QIU, Z. L for culture of insects.
文摘The ovipositor of parasitic insect is a highly specialized organ and crucial for parasitising. Morphology and structure of the ovipositor in female Macrocentrus cingulum, a polyembryonic parasitoid, are observed in SEM studies. The ovipositor of M. cingulum consists of the valvulae 1, 2 and 3. The valvulae 1 and 2 of ovipositor house in the valvulae 3 at rest and the valvulae 1 and 2 part from the valvulae 3 at probing and ovipositing. The cross-section of valvulae 3 shows that the valvulae 3 is hollow which may reduce the weight of ovipositor and make the ovipositor more flexible. The distal end of stylus （valvulae l, 2） becomes extremely sharp and the piercing tip of valvulae 1 and 2 form the arrangement of tongue-and-groove. This arrangement may support valvulae 2 slide longitudinally along the valvulae 1. Numbers of pores are distributed on the cuticle of the valvulae l and 2. The piecing tip of valvulae 1 and 2 have more pores than proximal and intermediate region. The out side of valvulae 3 is completely covered with chactica sensilla and the distal end of valvulae 3 has more sensilla than proximal and intermediate region. The function and structure of ovipositor of M. cingulum was discussed and compared with other species.
文摘The conservation behavior framework is useful to identify key linkages between behavior and conservation practice. We apply this framework to a novel host-parasite system on the Galapagos Islands and ask if there have been changes in parasite oviposition behavior and host mortality patterns across the first decade （2004-2013） of its known association. The Dipteran parasite Philornis downsi was first discovered in Darwin＇s finch nests in 1997 and is the biggest threat to the survival of Galapagos land birds. Host mortality has increased over the past decade. In Dipterans, pupation and pupae size are determined by access to host resources. Here, we test the hypothesis that P downsi flies are laying eggs in finch nests earlier in the nestling phase to maximize larval feeding time and therefore chance of pupation success before host death. The results show fewer 1st instar larvae later in the host nesting cycle in support of earlier egg laying behavior by female flies. Between 2004 and 2013, parasite intensity increased from -28 to -48 parasites per nest, host mortality increased from -50% to -90%, and host age at death decreased from -11 to -5 days. The earlier age at host death was correlated with fewer pupae （from -50% to -20%） and smaller pupae size （-10% decrease）. Changes in parasite behavior reveal new fitness costs to both the parasite and Darwin＇s finches. These findings un- derscore the need for urgent conservation action to save Darwin＇s finches from extinction due to a novel, lethal and introduced parasite [Current Zoology 60 （4）： 542-550, 2014].
