Predator-induced transgenerational phenotypic plasticity in the cotton aphid

摘要: Transgenerational phenotypic changes, whereby offspring have an altered trait or a distinct alternate phenotype, frequently occur in response to increased maternal predation risk. The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover), is unique, however, as consist of four phenotypes (“normal” light green apterae, “normal” dark “dwarf” yellow and alatae), all with divergent life history patterns resulting population dynamics. Here, we show that risk induces transgenerational changes aphids. When exposed search tracks from larval adult convergent ladybird beetles, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville, aphids produced greater numbers winged offspring. In subsequent experiment, apterous alate individuals on clean plants were found primarily normal dwarf offspring, respectively. We suggest elevated may cause over multiple generations, more precipitous decline herbivore populations than could be explained solely by rates.