1981•ScienceRequires access

Parasitoids as Selective Agents in the Symbiosis Between Lycaenid Butterfly Larvae and Ants

Naomi E. Pierce, Paul S. Mead

Abstract

The larvae of Glaucopsyche lygdamus (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) secrete substances that attract ants. In two field sites in Colorado, tending ants protect caterpillars of G. lygdamus from attack by braconid and tachinid parasitoids. This protection may have been an important feature in the evolution of the association between lycaenid larvae and ants.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 160 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

Key concepts: Lycaenidae, Biology, Lepidoptera genitalia, Butterfly, Mutualism (biology), Myrmecophily, Larva, Ecology