<i>Heliothis subflexa</i> on <i>Physalis</i> (IMAGE)

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

<i>Heliothis subflexa</i> on <i>Physalis</i>

Caption

August 2016, doi: 10.1038/NCOMMS12530). The larva of the specialist moth Heliothis subflexa climbs the calyx of a Physalis, which is also called ground cherry. The fruit, which is inside the calyx, provides the caterpillar with a perfect shelter from enemies, once it has entered the calyx. Moreover, the fruit contains withanolides, which have antibacterial properties and boost the larva's immune system.

Credit

Andrea Barthel, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

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