Encapsulation and melanization. The mealybug defends itself against a natural enemy-but loses
The cassava mealybug has a defense mechanism against its natural enemy Epidinocarsis lopezi. When the female wasp lays its eggs inside the mealybug, the mealybug`s blood cells surround or encapsulate the parasitoid`s egg or larvae. This is followed by a hardening or blackening of the capsule, called...
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| Formato: | Journal Article |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| Publicado: |
1981
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| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/88485 |
| Sumario: | The cassava mealybug has a defense mechanism against its natural enemy Epidinocarsis lopezi. When the female wasp lays its eggs inside the mealybug, the mealybug`s blood cells surround or encapsulate the parasitoid`s egg or larvae. This is followed by a hardening or blackening of the capsule, called melanization, resulting in suffocation and death. However, it seems that the mealybug`s blood cells are not capable of encapsulating several eggs or larvae so one survives to kill the mealybug. (CIAT) |
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