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

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

<em>Heliothis subflexa</em> on <em>Physalis</em>

Caption

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. August 2016, doi: 10.1038/NCOMMS12530.

Credit

Andrea Barthel, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

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