Biparental defensive endowment of eggs with acquired plant alkaloid in the moth Utetheisa ornatrix.

摘要: Abstract The eggs of Utetheisa ornatrix contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds are contributed by both parents, who sequester them as larvae from their food plants. Females receive alkaloid the males at mating, apparently seminal infusion, and transmit this together with own to eggs. Field laboratory tests showed that alkaloids protect predators. The alkaloidal contribution male, although smaller than female, itself provides significant egg protection. A previously identified pheromone, derived male emitted during precopulatory behavior, may announce worth female.