Daily Bulletin

Men's Weekly

.

  • Written by The Conversation
imageThe wasp's pupa commandeering an enslaved spider.Keizo Takasuka, Author provided

Scientists in Japan have discovered a species of wasp that induces a zombie-like state in spiders in order to manipulate them into protecting the wasp’s own pupa.

The finding, published today in The Journal of Experimental Biology, is the latest example of biological control, whereby parasitic insects manipulate hosts for their own survival and reproduction.

The research team, led by Keizo Takasuka from the Graduate School of Agricultural Science at Kobe University in Japan, witnessed Reclinervellus nielseni wasps turn their host spiders, Cyclosa argenteoalba, into drugged slaves coerced into modifying web structures into cocoon webs to protect the wasp’s offspring, before the wasp’s pupa then kill the spiders.

Survival of the trickiest

Parasitic manipulation is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom, but well documented cases are not common, so they are fascinating examples of evolutionary ecology, said David Yeates, Director of the Australian National Insect Collection at the CSIRO, who was not involved in the research.

Yeates also said the study gives insight into how parasites control their hosts to their own advantage.

“The changed behaviour always seems to reduce the chances of survival of the host, but increase the chances of the parasite surviving and reproducing effectively. So the parasite tricks the host into behaving against its own interests,” he said.

The researchers also found that the webs built by the manipulated spiders showed enhanced strength and other capacities that helped keep them intact. For example, they reflect UV light, which the researchers speculate might help ward off birds or large insects that could fly through and damage the web.

A sustainable solution for pest control?

According to Yeates, the hormone manipulation used by the wasps could have some practical applications for human challenges.

“Any parasite that can enhance its survival and reproduction by manipulating host behaviour is a compelling focus of attention when searching for effective biological control agents,” he said.

“Mechanisms that can manipulate, delay or disrupt moulting in pest insects are of interest for pest control. Such examples provide models for us to design control strategies around, in an emerging field called biomimicry.”

Authors: The Conversation

Read more http://theconversation.com/wasps-turn-spiders-into-their-zombie-bodyguards-then-kill-them-45768

Business News

Westlink Construction Cleaning Revolutionizes Warehouse Cleanliness with Eco-Friendly Solutions in Sydney

“Innovative cleaning services offer sustainable and efficient solutions to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious warehouse maintenance.” Westlink Construction Cleaning is proud to announce its gr...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

How HZad Education Supports International Students Preparing for CELPIP in Australia

As Australia officially accepts CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) for visa applications, international students face new opportunities alongside unprecedented preparation ch...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Online Site Inductions for Busy HR Teams

Induct For Work, the Australian platform for frontline onboarding and compliance, has launched Compliance Hub, a fully integrated, real-time workflow designed specifically for the fast-paced, highly m...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

LayBy Deals