Rapid evasive behaviors of diamondback moth larvae against ants

Abstract

Larvae of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) wriggle vigorously backward when physically stimulated. To explore whether this behavior is effective against ant attacks on their host plants with three-dimensional structures, we experimentally observed DBM larval movements and consequences thereof when attacked by Formica japonica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ants on the upper and lower surfaces of host plant leaves. On the upper surfaces of leaves, DBM larvae wriggled backward in response to ant attacks, and most larvae hung from leaf edges by spinning silk threads. On the lower surfaces of leaves, DBM larvae did not wriggle backward but immediately hung from the lower surface in response to attacks. No ants were able to pursue hanging larvae. We conclude that wriggling backward by DBM larvae belongs to a sequence of evasive movements against ant attacks on upper leaf surfaces. To our knowledge, this is the first report of combined wriggling and hanging behaviors by Lepidopteran larvae that are effective against ants in three-dimensional habitats.