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Science 19 November 1982:
Vol. 218. no. 4574, pp. 806 - 808
DOI: 10.1126/science.218.4574.806
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Articles

Chemical Mimicry in the Myrmecophilous Beetle Myrmecaphodius excavaticollis

ROBERT K. VANDER MEER 1 and DANIEL P. WOJCIK 1

1 Insects Affecting Man and Animals Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, Florida 32604

The myrmecophilus beetle Myrmecaphodius excavaticollis (Blanchard) was found to have species-specific cuticular hydrocarbons acquired-from one of its hosts, the ant Solenopsis richteri Forel. Removal from its ant host resulted in loss of the host hydrocarbons, leaving a cuticular pattern innate to the beetle. When beetles were transferred to colonies of three other Solenopsis species, they acquired the specific hydrocarbons associated with each of the new hosts. This passive integration mechanism is coupled with the beetle's armored exterior to enable it to cope with multiple aggressive hosts.

Submitted on July 19, 1982


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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G. M. Vasquez, C. Schal, and J. Silverman (2008)
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Nestmate and Kin Recognition in Interspecific Mixed Colonies of Ants.
N. F. CARLIN and B. HOLLDOBLER (1983)
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