Parsnip Webworm (IMAGE)

National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)

Parsnip Webworm

Caption

A parsnip webworm (Depressaria pastinacella) attacks the reproductive parts of wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). But the parsnip's defenses include a natural insecticide, which limits the capacity of the webworm to inflict damage. A new mathematical model demonstrates that multiple traits in host-parasite interactions give the host an evolutionary advantage that helps it survive.

Credit

Christine Hanrahan

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