Upon attack by predators, larvae of the turnip sawfly Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) readily release droplets of their hemolymph which contains sequestered toxic secondary metabolites of their host plant. This defense mechanism is characterized by two traits: a low integument resistance and a high hemolymph deterrence. The quantitative genetic architecture of these defensive traits as well as other life-history traits was studied. In a parent-offspring design there was little or no evidence for genetic variation, while full-sib analysis revealed highly significant heritabilities.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Tenthredinidae Athalia rosae (Turnip sawfly)
Keywords: quantitative genetics
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