Ovipositor

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Ilari E. Sääksjärvi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Donald L J Quicke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • discovery of calcium enrichment in cutting teeth of parasitic wasp Ovipositors hymenoptera ichneumonoidea
    African Entomology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Donald L J Quicke, J Palmerwilson, A Burrough, Gavin R Broad
    Abstract:

    Energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry of the Ovipositor tips of two species of parasitic wasps, Gabunia sp. (Ichneumonidae : Cryptinae) from Uganda and the cosmopolitan Heterospilus prosopidis (Braconidae : Doryctinae) show that they have high concentrations of calcium as well as of manganese associated with the apex of the lower Ovipositor valve and in the former, specifically with the lower valve teeth. Previous studies had revealed only manganese in the Ovipositors of ichneumonoids, and the discovery of highly calcium-enriched cutting teeth might indicate the involvement of biomineralization, in addition to transition metal-protein complexes, in cuticular hardening in these parasitic wasps. Comparisons with related taxa indicate that the calcium enrichment is not present in all members of their groups.

  • host location and oviposition in a basal group of parasitic wasps the subgenual organ Ovipositor apparatus and associated structures in the orussidae hymenoptera insecta
    Zoomorphology, 2001
    Co-Authors: Lars Vilhelmsen, Nunzio Isidoro, Roberto Romani, Hasan Huseyin Basibuyuk, Donald L J Quicke
    Abstract:

    Anatomical studies and behavioural observations indicate that representatives of the Orussidae use vibrational sounding to detect suitable oviposition sites. During host location, vibrations generated by tapping the tips of the antennae against the wood are picked up by the fore legs through the basitarsal spurs, transmitted along the basitarsi to thin-walled areas on the tibiae and through haemolymph to the subgenual organs, where they are transduced into nerve impulses. The apical antennomeres are distinctly shaped and have the cuticle thickened distally. The fore basitarsi have weakly sclerotised basitarsal lines proximally and membranous basitarsal spurs distally. The external wall of the fore tibiae have thin-walled areas distally on their posterior parts. Internally, large subgenual organs are situated opposite the thin-walled areas and each organ consists of 300–400 scolopidial units suspended between a lateral cuticular spine, a ventral sheet and a median ridge. The Ovipositor is several times the length of the body of the wasp. When at rest, it extends all the way into the prothorax, where it is coiled before extending posteriorly to lie between the third valvulae distally. The Ovipositor lies in a membranous Ovipositor sac attached posteriorly to the proximal parts of the Ovipositor apparatus and the posterior margin of sternum 7. In the Ovipositor apparatus, the anterior parts of the second valvifers are displaced and expanded anterodorsally, inverting the first valvifers and the base of the Ovipositor. When in use, the Ovipositor is extended and retracted by median apodemes situated on the anterior margins of abdominal sterna 3–7. Longitudinal muscles between the apodemes allow the latter to grip the Ovipositor in troughs between them. The Ovipositor extends from the abdomen at the tip of sternum 7, and an internal trough on sternum 7 serves to guide the Ovipositor into the wood. Despite the alterations observed in the Ovipositor apparatus in the Orussidae, the musculature is almost complete and the mode of operation presumably not much different from that of other representatives of the Hymenoptera. The different ways parasitic wasps with very long Ovipositors handle and accommodate these and the implications for the evolutionary history of Hymenoptera are discussed.

  • Manganese and zinc in the Ovipositors and mandibles of hymenopterous insects
    Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 1998
    Co-Authors: Donald L J Quicke, Paul Wyeth, James D. Fawke, Hasan H. Basibuyuk, Julian F. V. Vincent
    Abstract:

    X-ray microanalysis of the Ovipositor and mandibles of various hymenopterous insects has revealed the presence in many species of up to 10% wt/wt of either zinc or manganese in the cuticle. These metals appear to be involved in cuticular hardening, so helping to reduce abrasive wear. Zinc is found in the Ovipositors of most Siricidae, Stephanoidea, and Chalcidoidea. In Ichneumonoidea and Cynipoidea, the metal involved is manganese. Megalyroidea are unique in the Hymenoptera in having both zinc and manganese in their Ovipositors, though in different locations. Except for Bethylidae, no metals were detected in the Ovipositors or stings of species that penetrate soft substrates or do not make holes at all. The cutting edge of the mandibles of many insects that chew their way through hard substrates during egress from their pupation sites almost invariably contain high concentrations of zinc, and this is present in many that lack metals in their Ovipositor. The phylogenetic and ecological implications of metal occurrence are discussed.

  • Ovipositor Steering Mechanisms in Parasitic Wasps of the Families Gasteruptiidae and Aulacidae (Hymenoptera)
    Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 1995
    Co-Authors: Donald L J Quicke, Mike G Fitton
    Abstract:

    Similar but distinct Ovipositor steering mechanisms in members of the parasitic wasp families Gasteruptiidae and Aulacidae are described. In both of these there are abrupt stops near the apex of each of the upper and lower Ovipositor valves. These stops, which are closely apposed when the Ovipositor is at rest, prevent the lower valves from being extended posteriorly relative to the upper valve. Attempts to extend the lower valves posteriorly force the Ovipositor to bend dorsally. This ability to manipulate the Ovipositor tip allows the wasps to locate their eggs more precisely in or near their hosts. In the Gasteruptiidae the stops are opposed, raised bosses which project laterally from the main Ovipositor shaft. This mechanism is clearly visible externally in intact Ovipositors. In the Aulacidae, the pre-apical stops are formed by the abrupt termination of a longitudinal ridge on each lower valve and of grooves on the upper valve. The ridges run within the grooves and the mechanism is not visible externally. The implications of these mechanisms for the classification of these two families are discussed.

  • Ovipositor structure and relationships within the hymenoptera with special reference to the ichneumonoidea
    Journal of Natural History, 1994
    Co-Authors: Donald L J Quicke, Simon N. Ingram, Mike G Fitton, James R. Tunstead, P V Gaitens
    Abstract:

    The morphology, function and phylogenetic significance of the hymenopterous Ovipositor, as revealed by transverse sections, is explored. Ovipositors (including stings) of > 240 species belonging to some 69 families (representing all super-families) have been prepared and examined, and almost 180 are illustrated. Particular attention is paid to Ichneumonoidea. Sections show many new, phylogenetically informative characters as well as providing further insight into Ovipositor function. Examples of synapomorphies are given which suggest various groupings at the family or subfamily levels. Functional interpretations are given for several characters, with particular reference to substrate penetration, passage of the egg along the Ovipositor and stinging.

Sander W. S. Gussekloo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the Ovipositor actuation mechanism of a parasitic wasp and its functional implications
    Journal of Anatomy, 2020
    Co-Authors: Noraly M M E Van Meer, Uroš Cerkvenik, Johan L. Van Leeuwen, Christian M Schleputz, Sander W. S. Gussekloo
    Abstract:

    Parasitic wasps use specialized needle-like structures, Ovipositors, to drill into substrates to reach hidden hosts. The external Ovipositor (terebra) consists of three interconnected, sliding elements (valvulae), which are moved reciprocally during insertion. This presumably reduces the required pushing force on the terebra and limits the risk of damage whilst probing. Although this is an important mechanism, it is still not completely understood how the actuation of the valvulae is achieved, and it has only been studied with the Ovipositor in rest position. Additionally, very little is known about the magnitude of the forces generated during probing. We used synchrotron X-ray microtomography to reconstruct the actuation mechanism of the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Braconidae) in four distinct phases of the probing cycle. We show that only the paired first valvulae of the terebra move independently, while the second valvula moves with the metasoma (‘abdomen’). The first valvula movements are initiated by rotation of one chitin plate (first valvifer) with respect to another such plate (second valvifer). This is achieved indirectly by muscles connecting the non-rotating second valvifer and the abdominal ninth tergite. Contrary to previous reports, we found muscle fibres running inside the terebra, although their function remains unclear. The estimated maximal forces that can be exerted by the first valvulae are small (protraction 1.19 mN and retraction 0.874 mN), which reduces the risk of buckling, but are sufficient for successful probing. The small net forces of the valvulae on the substrate may still lead to buckling of the terebra; we show that the sheaths surrounding the valvulae prevent this by effectively increasing the diameter and second moment of area of the terebra. Our findings improve the comprehension of hymenopteran probing mechanisms, the function of the associated muscles, and the forces and damage-limiting mechanism that are involved in drilling a slender terebra into a substrate.

  • Stiffness gradients facilitate Ovipositor bending and spatial probing control in a parasitic wasp.
    The Journal of experimental biology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Uroš Cerkvenik, Stanislav N. Gorb, Johan L. Van Leeuwen, Alexander Kovalev, Yoko Matsumura, Sander W. S. Gussekloo
    Abstract:

    Many parasitic wasps use slender and steerable Ovipositors to lay eggs in hosts hidden in substrates, but it is currently unknown how steering is achieved. The Ovipositors generally consist of three longitudinally connected elements, one dorsal and two ventral valves that can slide along each other. For the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata, it has been shown that protraction of the ventral valves causes incurving of the ventral valves towards the dorsal one, which results in a change in probing direction. We hypothesize that this shape change is due to differences in bending stiffness along the Ovipositor. Alignment of the stiff tip of the dorsal valve with a more flexible ventral S-shaped region situated just behind the tip straightens this S-bend and results in upwards rotation of the ventral tip. We show that the S-shaped region of the ventral valves has a low bending stiffness because it contains soft materials such as resilin. In contrast, the large cross-sectional area of the dorsal valve tip area probably results in a high bending stiffness. Elsewhere, the dorsal valve is less stiff than the ventral valves. Our results support the hypothesis that the interaction between the stiff dorsal valve portion and the more flexible S-shaped region co-determines the configurational tip changes required for steering the Ovipositor in any desired direction along curved paths in the substrate. This provides novel insights in the understanding of steering mechanisms of the hymenopteran Ovipositor, and for application in man-made probes.

  • Mechanisms of Ovipositor insertion and steering of a parasitic wasp
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2017
    Co-Authors: Uroš Cerkvenik, Bram Van De Straat, Sander W. S. Gussekloo, Johan L. Van Leeuwen
    Abstract:

    Drilling into solid substrates with slender beam-like structures is a mechanical challenge, but is regularly done by female parasitic wasps. The wasp inserts her Ovipositor into solid substrates to deposit eggs in hosts, and even seems capable of steering the Ovipositor while drilling. The Ovipositor generally consists of three longitudinally connected valves that can slide along each other. Alternative valve movements have been hypothesized to be involved in Ovipositor damage avoidance and steering during drilling. However, none of the hypotheses have been tested in vivo. We used 3D and 2D motion analysis to quantify the probing behavior of the fruit-fly parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Braconidae) at the levels of the Ovipositor and its individual valves. We show that the wasps can steer and curve their Ovipositors in any direction relative to their body axis. In a soft substrate, the Ovipositors can be inserted without reciprocal motion of the valves. In a stiff substrate, such motions were always observed. This is in agreement with the damage avoidance hypothesis of insertion, as they presumably limit the overall net pushing force. Steering can be achieved by varying the asymmetry of the distal part of the Ovipositor by protracting one valve set with respect to the other. Tip asymmetry is enhanced by curving of ventral elements in the absence of an opposing force, possibly due to pretension. Our findings deepen the knowledge of the functioning and evolution of the Ovipositor in hymenopterans and may help to improve man-made steerable probes.

Niclas R. Fritzén - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Renee M. Borges - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The insect Ovipositor as a volatile sensor within a closed microcosm.
    The Journal of Experimental Biology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Pratibha Yadav, Renee M. Borges
    Abstract:

    We show that the insect Ovipositor is an olfactory organ that responds to volatiles and CO2 in gaseous form. We demonstrate this phenomenon in parasitic wasps associated with Ficus racemosa where Ovipositors, as slender as a human hair, drill through the syconium (enclosed inflorescences) and act as a guiding probe to locate highly specific egg-laying sites hidden inside. We hypothesize that olfaction will occur in the Ovipositors of insects such as parasitic fig wasps where the hosts are concealed and volatile concentrations can build up locally. Relevant stimuli such as herbivore-induced fig volatiles and CO2 elicited electrophysiological responses from the Ovipositors. Silver nitrate staining also revealed pores in Ovipositor sensilla, indicating their olfactory nature. Insects could use volatile sensors on their Ovipositors to evaluate ecologically relevant stimuli for oviposition. Further investigations on the sensory nature of Ovipositors can provide designs for development of Ovipositor-inspired micro-chemosensors.

  • nature s swiss army knives Ovipositor structure mirrors ecology in a multitrophic fig wasp community
    PLOS ONE, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mahua Ghara, Lakshminath Kundanati, Renee M. Borges
    Abstract:

    Background: Resource partitioning is facilitated by adaptations along niche dimensions that range from morphology to behaviour. The exploitation of hidden resources may require specially adapted morphological or sensory tools for resource location and utilisation. Differences in tool diversity and complexity can determine not only how many species can utilize these hidden resources but also how they do so. Methodology and Principal Findings: The sclerotisation, gross morphology and ultrastructure of the Ovipositors of a seven-member community of parasitic wasps comprising of gallers and parasitoids developing within the globular syconia (closed inflorescences) of Ficus racemosa (Moraceae) was investigated. These wasps also differ in their parasitism mode (external versus internal oviposition) and their timing of oviposition into the expanding syconium during its development. The number and diversity of sensilla, as well as Ovipositor teeth, increased from internally ovipositing to externally ovipositing species and from gallers to parasitoids. The extent of sclerotisation of the Ovipositor tip matched the force required to penetrate the syconium at the time of oviposition of each species. The internally ovipositing pollinator had only one type of sensillum and a single notch on the Ovipositor tip. Externally ovipositing species had multiple sensilla types and teeth on their Ovipositors. Chemosensilla were most concentrated at Ovipositor tips while mechanoreceptors were more widely distributed, facilitating the precise location of hidden hosts in these wasps which lack larval host-seeking behaviour. Ovipositor traits of one parasitoid differed from those of its syntopic galler congeners and clustered with those of parasitoids within a different wasp subfamily. Thus Ovipositor tools can show lability based on adaptive necessity, and are not constrained by phylogeny. Conclusions/Significance: Ovipositor structure mirrored the increasingly complex trophic ecology and requirements for host accessibility in this parasite community. Ovipositor structure could be a useful surrogate for predicting the biology of parasites in other communities.

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