« Previous AbstractPhenotypic plasticity of mate recognition systems prevents sexual interference between two sympatric leaf beetle species    Next AbstractStructure of the pheromone peptide of the Staphylococcus epidermidis agr system »

J Chem Ecol

Title:		Phenotypic Plasticity of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles in Insects
Author(s):		Otte T; Hilker M; Geiselhardt S;
Address:		"Institute of Biology, Freie Universitat Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany. Institute of Biology, Freie Universitat Berlin, Haderslebener Str. 9, 12163, Berlin, Germany. sven.geiselhardt@fu-berlin.de"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2018
Volume:		20180222
Issue:		3
Page Number:		235 - 247
DOI:		10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4
ISSN/ISBN:		1573-1561 (Electronic) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The insect integument is covered by cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) which provide protection against environmental stresses, but are also used for communication. Here we review current knowledge on environmental and insect-internal factors which shape phenotypic plasticity of solitary living insects, especially herbivorous ones. We address the dynamics of changes which may occur within minutes, but may also last weeks, depending on the species and conditions. Two different modes of changes are suggested, i.e. stepwise and gradual. A switch between two distinct environments (e.g. host plant switch by phytophagous insects) results in stepwise formation of two distinct adaptive phenotypes, while a gradual environmental change (e.g. temperature gradients) induces a gradual change of numerous adaptive CHC phenotypes. We further discuss the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenotypic plasticity of insect CHC profiles by addressing the question at which conditions is CHC phenotypic plasticity beneficial. The high plasticity of CHC profiles might be a trade-off for insects using CHCs for communication. We discuss how insects cope with the challenge to produce and 'understand' a highly plastic, environmentally dependent CHC pattern that conveys reliable and comprehensible information. Finally, we outline how phenotypic plasticity of CHC profiles may promote speciation in insects that rely on CHCs for mate recognition"
Keywords:		Animal Communication Animals Biological Evolution Environment Hydrocarbons/*metabolism Insecta/*metabolism *Phenotype Assortative mating Chemical communication Ecological speciation Mate recognition Self-referent phenotype matching Sensory drive;
Notes:		"MedlineOtte, Tobias Hilker, Monika Geiselhardt, Sven eng Review 2018/02/23 J Chem Ecol. 2018 Mar; 44(3):235-247. doi: 10.1007/s10886-018-0934-4. Epub 2018 Feb 22"