For those who always imagined that false beings are limited to mankind, a study conducted by an international team of researchers revealed a type of retailer fly (from the family Calliphoridae) whose larvae can infiltrate a termite .
Recently published in Current Biology magazine, The discovery occurred by chance during an entomological research conducted in the anti-ATLA mountain range in southern Morocco, and shows very exclusive morphological and chemical adaptations.
In a press release, study leader Roger Vila, from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona in Spain, explains that the team originally studied butterflies and ants.
“As it had rained a lot and the butterflies were not flying, we looked for ants. When we raised a stone, we found a termite with three fly larvae that we had never seen before,” says the biologist.
Raised to the flood, the larvae were extremely rare, because after three more expeditions performed on the site, they only found two more flies together in another termite.
Termite mask on the rear to get hidden
According to the researchers, the so -called “termite mask” is actually a head imitation, not functional, but with antennas and palpos (sensory appendages) of an adult mound termite. To complete the disguise, the fake head has two eyes, which are actually the breathing holes of the larvae, the spiales, which are on the back of the body.
Although they do not have a visual perception of living mainly underground, “workers’ termites go at dusk to collect grass, so they have functional eyes that the larvae are able to imitate with their splashes,” explains Vila.
Using scanning electronic microscopy, the team also located “tentacles” on the larvae body, which mimic the termites antennas with rich detail, and allow you to interact with several of them at the same time.
Finally, The most impressive feature displayed by the larvae is the “smell signature” a combination of pheromones proper to each cupinzeiro, which is fundamental in the communication, organization and defense of the nest. Since the interior of the colony is completely dark, this odor is the way the termites recognize themselves, using their antennas to detect the shape and smell of their brothers. Without this smell, any intruder is immediately dismembered by welded termites.
The chemical analysis of the larvae has shown that they smell exactly like the colony termites, but have minor differences in their chemical profile that differentiate them from other termites. “It’s a chemical disguise,” wonders village.
What are the advantages obtained by the terrace -infiltrated larvae?
According to the study, the highly organized nests of so -called eussocial insects, such as ants and termites, “offer stable, nutrient -rich and protected habitats that can be explored by other organisms.” This is why several arthropod families can eventually break the nest defenses and become tenants, mutualists, predators, parasitoids or social parasites.
In the case of Morocco larvae, the authors realized in the laboratory that they had a tendency to settle in the most populous areas of the nest, a noble place where they received greater attention and care. These most active sectors are also the most important in the colony, such as near the Royal Chamber or the food storage sites. The fly larvae were “stuck” by termites with their oral pieces to be inspected, fed or moved to safer places.
However, the research could not reveal two mysteries. The first is about the larvae diet. Although it appearing a behavior similar to trophalaxia (mouth -to -mouth liquids or mouth), this was not shown.
Another mystery not observed was the adult form of the larvae, because they “ended up dying without metamorphosis, so there may be elements of the nest and the symbiotic relationship […] We can’t transfer to the laboratory, ”says Vila.
For the biologist, the discovery of the Mosca larva challenges our traditional notions about how species interact, beyond the strict concepts of symbiosis and social parasitism. In addition to revealing how little we know about the diversity of insects.
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This content was originally published in fly larva with fake face in the butt is accepted and fueled in termite on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
