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WASP
CATERPILLARS
Imagine being eaten alive
-- from the inside out! That is what happens to any
caterpillar unlucky enough to become the nest for an egg
laid by a caterpillar wasp. As ALIEN EMPIRE shows, the
wasps lay their egg in or on the caterpillar. The egg then
hatches into a larva that consumes its landlord.
Remarkably, some plants have evolved a way to use
caterpillar wasps to defend them from attack by hungry
wrigglers. Here's how it works: When a caterpillar bites
certain plants, it leaves behind a drop of saliva that
causes the plant to release chemicals of its own, called
terpenoids. Like a silent scream or a chemical distress
signal, the terpenoids warn the wasps that caterpillars
are nearby. The wasps then flock to the plant, laying eggs
on the vulnerable caterpillars. Several days later, the
tiny wasp larva hatches and begins eating the caterpillar
alive.
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Some wasps get a little
help from a special virus in protecting their newly
laid eggs. The "flying hypodermics," as some
scientists call them, injects the virus into the
caterpillar along with the egg. It prevents the
caterpillar's immune system from attacking the egg.
In return, the wasp supports the virus by providing
a host. The only loser in the arrangement is the
hapless caterpillar.
Other caterpillar wasps target caterpillar eggs, not
the worms themselves, for egg laying. The tiny
Trichogramma wasp, for instance, is only 1/50th of
an inch long, but it can lay up to 300 of its own
eggs inside caterpillar eggs. The Trichogramma
larvae then feast on the caterpillar eggs. Farmers
have enlisted this tiny ally in their effort to
control pests, from peach borers to tent
caterpillars, that would otherwise grow into adult
caterpillars hungry for their crops. |
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Disclaimer:
These three
articles on Cankerworm, Bagworms and Tent Caterpillars may
contain pesticide recommendations that, are subject to
change at any time. These recommendations are provided
only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator’s
responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current
label directions for the specific pesticide being used. If
any information in these recommendations disagrees with
the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No
endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is
criticism meant for products not mentioned. The Writer
assumes no liability resulting from the use of these
recommendations. |
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Contact: Tel:
830.257.8871 - Toll Free: 1.800.OAK.WILT (800-625-9458)
Cell: 830.459.8216 Toll Free: 1.866.OAK.WILT
(866.625.9458)
Jim Rediker - Nurseryman - Arborist - TDA Certified
SCENIC HILLS
NURSERY
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