Phyllotreta armoraciae vs. Harmonia axyridis (IMAGE)
Caption
The larva of the horseradish flea beetle Phyllotreta armoraciae (left) is well-armed against its enemy, the larva of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (right). For its chemical defense, it uses glucosinolates from its host plant, which it converts into toxic mustard oils with the help of its own enzyme. These toxins are able to fend off the predator successfully. After pupation, the glucosinolates are still present, but the enzyme that activates the defense mechanism is missing. Lacking defenses, pupae of the horseradish flea beetle are predated by ladybird larvae in experiments.
Credit
Benjamin Fabian, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
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