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Abdominal gland secretion of Bledius rove beetles as an effective defence against predators
Author(s) -
Steidle Johannes L. M.,
Dettner Konrad
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
entomologia experimentalis et applicata
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1570-7458
pISSN - 0013-8703
DOI - 10.1111/j.1570-7458.1995.tb01964.x
Subject(s) - biology , predation , secretion , zoology , predator , hymenoptera , genus , botany , ecology , endocrinology
The biological function of the abdominal gland of the rove beetle genus Bledius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) was examined using behavioural criteria. The attractant effect of the abdominal secretion on the Bledius predators Dyschirius obscurus and D. thoracicus (Carabidae), described in the literature, was identified as artificial. In choice experiments the secretion showed repellent effects on natural predators of Bledius furcatus, B. spectabilis and B. arenarius. In predator‐prey encounters with Cataglyphis bicolor (Formicidae) and Labidura riparia (Dermaptera) the gland secretion of B. furcatus induced cleaning behaviour. When attacked by C. bicolor the chance of survival for B. furcatus was increased by the presence of the abdominal gland secretion. This clearly shows that the abdominal gland of the genus Bledius is used for defensive purposes.