Chemical Strategies of the Beetle Metoecus Paradoxus, Social Parasite of the Wasp Vespula Vulgaris

摘要: The parasitoid beetle Metoecus paradoxus frequently parasitizes colonies of the common wasp, Vespula vulgaris. It penetrates a host colony as larva that attaches itself onto foraging wasp's body and, once inside nest, it feeds on wasp brood cell and then pupates. Avoiding detection by is crucial when emerges. Here, we tested whether adult M. beetles avoid mimicking cuticular hydrocarbon profile their host. appear to be chemically adapted main species, because they share more compounds with than do related German V. germanica. In addition, aggression tests showed were attacked less workers workers. Our results further indicated host-specific were, at least partially, produced through recycling prey's hydrocarbons, not acquired contact Moreover, chemical shows overproduction queen pheromone, nonacosane (n-C29), suggesting might mimic queen's pheromonal bouquet.