Parasitoid Wasp Induces Overwintering Behaviour in Its Spider Host
Author Information
Author(s): Korenko Stanislav, Pekár Stano
Primary Institution: Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague
Hypothesis
Does the parasitoid wasp Zatypota percontatoria manipulate the web-building behavior of its spider hosts?
Conclusion
The parasitoid wasp Zatypota percontatoria induces specific web-building behaviors in its spider hosts that are innate and occur during certain life-history periods.
Supporting Evidence
- Parasitized N. bimaculata constructed a denser web compared to unparasitized individuals.
- Parasitized T. varians built a cupola-like structure, while unparasitized did not.
- The larva pupated inside the structures built by the spiders.
Takeaway
A wasp makes spiders build special webs to protect itself while it grows inside them, and this happens only at certain times of the year.
Methodology
The study involved observing web structures of parasitized and unparasitized spiders in both field and laboratory settings.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of the induced behaviors on the fitness of the parasitoid.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on two spider species, Neottiura bimaculata and Theridion varians, collected from orchards in the Czech Republic and Italy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0025
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website