The ovipositor actuation mechanism of a parasitic wasp and its functional implications.

Journal of Anatomy
Noraly M M E van MeerSander W S Gussekloo

Abstract

Parasitic wasps use specialized needle-like structures, ovipositors, to drill into substrates to reach hidden hosts. The external ovipositor (terebra) consists of three interconnected, sliding elements (valvulae), which are moved reciprocally during insertion. This presumably reduces the required pushing force on the terebra and limits the risk of damage whilst probing. Although this is an important mechanism, it is still not completely understood how the actuation of the valvulae is achieved, and it has only been studied with the ovipositor in rest position. Additionally, very little is known about the magnitude of the forces generated during probing. We used synchrotron X-ray microtomography to reconstruct the actuation mechanism of the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Braconidae) in four distinct phases of the probing cycle. We show that only the paired first valvulae of the terebra move independently, while the second valvula moves with the metasoma ('abdomen'). The first valvula movements are initiated by rotation of one chitin plate (first valvifer) with respect to another such plate (second valvifer). This is achieved indirectly by muscles connecting the non-rotating second valvifer and the abdominal ninth te...Continue Reading

Associated Datasets

References

Dec 20, 2007·Arthropod Structure & Development·Lars Vilhelmsen
Oct 19, 2010·Arthropod Structure & Development·Lars Vilhelmsen, Giuseppe Fabrizio Turrisi
Jan 7, 2011·PloS One·Matthew J YoderAndrew R Deans
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Aug 7, 2016·Royal Society Open Science·Jean-Pierre Rospars, Nicole Meyer-Vernet
Aug 30, 2017·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Uroš CerkvenikJohan L van Leeuwen
Apr 7, 2019·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Uroš CerkvenikSander W S Gussekloo
Jan 9, 2020·The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science·Jurjen J LuykxHeidi Taipale

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Citations

Dec 4, 2021·Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·Esther P de KaterPaul Breedveld

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Software Mentioned

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