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At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Polydnavirus of the parasitic wasp Chelonus inanitus (Braconidae): characterization, genome organization and time point of replication.

Ultrastructural analysis of the polydnavirus of the braconid wasp Chelonus inanitus revealed that virions consist of one cylindrical nucleocapsid enveloped by a single unit membrane. Nucleocapsids have a constant diameter of 33.7 +/- 1.4 nm and a variable length of between 8 and 46 nm. Spreading of viral DNA showed that the genome consists of circular dsDNA molecules of variable sizes and measurement of the contour lengths indicated sizes of between 7 and 31 kbp. When virions were exposed to osmotic shock conditions to release the DNA, only one circular molecule was released per particle suggesting that the various DNA molecules are singly encapsidated in this bracovirus. The viral genome was seen to consist of at least 10 different segments and the aggregate genome size is in the order of 200 kbp. By partial digestion of viral DNA with HindIII or EcoRI in the presence of ethidium bromide and subsequent ligation with HindIII-cut pSP65 or EcoRI-cut pSP64 and transfection into Escherichia coli, libraries of 103 HindIII and 23 EcoRI clones were obtained. Southern blots revealed that complete and unrearranged segments were cloned with this approach, and restriction maps for five segments were obtained. Part of a 16.8 kbp segment was sequenced, found to be AT-rich (73%) and to contain six copies of a 17 bp repeated sequence. The development of the female reproductive tract in the course of pupal-adult development of the wasp was investigated and seen to be strictly correlated with the pigmentation pattern. By the use of a semiquantitative PCR, replication of viral DNA was observed to initiate at a specific stage of pupal-adult development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Identification and immuno-electron microscopy localization of p40, a protein component of immunosuppressive virus-like particles from Leptopilina heterotoma, a virulent parasitoid wasp of Drosophila.

Lamellocytes are specialized larval blood cells of Drosophila that carry out encapsulation of metazoan pathogens such as parasitoid wasps. Large virus-like particles (VLPs) from two closely related virulent parasitoid wasp species, Leptopilina heterotoma and Leptopilina victoriae, suppress the host encapsulation response by promoting lysis of lamellocytes. The molecular basis of VLP-lamellocyte interaction and lamellocyte lysis is not understood. Here, it was shown that mature VLPs are composed of at least four major proteins. Polyclonal antisera against the most abundant L. heterotoma VLP protein, p40, cross-reacted with the most abundant L. victoriae VLP protein, p47.5. Immuno-electron microscopy (EM) of the long gland-reservoir complex revealed that p40 was expressed early in VLP biogenesis and was detected along with VLP precursors within the long gland cells and lumen. In the reservoir, VLPs had an angular core, resembled mature particles and p40 was detected outside the VLP cores. Immuno-EM staining of mature VLPs from both species localized the p40 and p47.5 proteins largely to the periphery of the VLPs and along the VLP spike-like projections. p40 staining was observed in VLP-treated host haemocytes. In vitro, anti-p40 antibody almost completely blocked the ability of L. heterotoma VLPs to promote lamellocyte lysis. Anti-p40 antibody blocked lysis by L. victoriae VLPs by >50%. It is proposed that the VLP surface proteins p40 and p47.5 share antigenic determinants and significantly contribute to the strong virulence of their Hymenopteran hosts.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Protein synthesis-dependent long-term memory induced by one single associative training trial in the parasitic wasp Lariophagus distinguendus.

Protein synthesis-dependent long-term memory in Apis mellifera and Drosophila melanogaster is formed after multiple trainings that are spaced in time. The parasitic wasp Lariophagus distinguendus remarkably differs from these species. It significantly responds to the artificial odor furfurylheptanoate (FFH) in olfactometer experiments, when this odor was presented during one single training trial, consisting of one sequence of host recognition behavior on a wheat grain infested by its hosts. Feeding wasps with actinomycin D erases the learned response 24 h after the training, demonstrating that protein synthesis-dependent long-term memory has been formed in L. distinguendus already after one single training.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Testing for epistasis between deleterious mutations in a parasitoid wasp.

Determining the way in which deleterious mutations interact to effect fitness is crucial to numerous areas in evolutionary biology. For example, if each additional mutation leads to a greater decrease in log fitness than the last, termed synergistic epistasis, then sex and recombination provide an advantage because they enable deleterious mutations to be eliminated more efficiently. However, there is a severe shortage of relevant empirical data, especially of the form that can help test mutational explanations for the widespread occurrence of sex. Here, we test for epistasis in the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis, examining the fitness consequences of chemically induced deleterious mutations. We examine two components of fitness, both of which are thought to be important in natural populations of parasitic wasps: longevity and egg production. Our results show synergistic epistasis for longevity, but not for egg production.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Intra-individual coexistence of a Wolbachia strain required for host oogenesis with two strains inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility in the wasp Asobara tabida.

Cytoplasmically inherited symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria are known to induce a diversity of phenotypes on their numerous arthropod hosts including cytoplasmic incompatibility, male-killing, thelytokous parthenogenesis, and feminization. In the wasp Asobara tabida (Braconidae), in which all individuals harbor three genotypic Wolbachia strains (wAtab1, wAtab2 and wAtab3), the presence of Wolbachia is required for insect oogenesis. To elucidate the phenotype of each Wolbachia strain on host reproduction, especially on oogenesis, we established lines of A. tabida harboring different combinations of these three bacterial strains. We found that wAtab3 is essential for wasp oogenesis, whereas the two other strains, wAtabl and wAtab2, seem incapable to act on this function. Furthermore, interline crosses showed that strains wAtab1 and wAtab2 induce partial (about 78%) cytoplasmic incompatibility of the female mortality type. These results support the idea that bacterial genotype is a major factor determining the phenotype induced by Wolbachia on A. tabida hosts. We discuss the implications of these findings for current hypotheses regarding the evolutionary mechanisms by which females of A. tabida have become dependent on Wolbachia for oogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Death caused by wasp and bee stings in Denmark 1960-1980.

During a 21-year period in Denmark a total of 26 deaths were caused by wasp or bee stings (according to the National Health Service). The deaths might be classified, with some overlapping, as caused by either anaphylactic/anaphylactoid shocks (between 65% and 80%), suffocation after stings in the airways (about 15%) or preexisting diseases, especially arteriosclerotic heart disease (approx. 20%). Characteristically, in most persons with shock reactions unconsciousness and death occurred very shortly after the sting (within 45 min), while the interval between sting and death was longer (30 min to a couple of hours) when death was caused by suffocation. In more than 21 of the 26 cases it seemed reasonable to assume that insect allergy might have contributed to the fatal outcome. Six of these cases had a previous history of abnormal reactions to insect venom, thus only a small group would have benefited from the prophylactic effect of hyposensitisation. There was no known previous history of reactions to insect stings in the other cases, but it is likely that more than six persons had had severe reactions to insect stings on other occasions. Presumably many deaths where insect stings have been involved--through not verified as causal--are classified as inexplicable or accidental, thus the real number of deaths caused by wasp or bee stings could be substantially greater. Consequently hyposensitisation after severe insect sting reactions of verified allergic genesis can still be advised.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Presence of soldier larvae determines the outcome of competition in a polyembryonic wasp.

Soldier-producing polyembryonic waSPS are the only social animals that develop as parasites inside the bodies of other insects. Characterizing the kin composition of broods is central to understanding the evolution of the soldier caste in these unique social insects. Here we studied the role of soldiers in mediating the outcome of competition among clones of the polyembryonic wasp Copidosoma floridanum. Soldier-producing female clones usually monopolized host resources, whereas soldierless male clones usually coexisted in hosts. Behavioural experiments further indicated that early-emerging soldiers are specialized to combat intraspecific competitors and later-emerging soldiers are specialized for defence against interspecific competitors. Taken together, our results point to intraspecific competition as a major selective force in the evolution of the soldier caste. Our data also present an evolutionary conundrum: given the benefit of soldiers, why are male clones functionally soldierless?

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Both endogenous and environmental factors affect embryo proliferation in the polyembryonic wasp Copidosoma floridanum.

Copidosoma floridanum is a polyembryonic, parasitic wasp of the moth Trichoplusia ni. Following oviposition into a host, the C. floridanum egg initially undergoes complete (holoblastic) cleavage to form a single morula stage embryo. This embryo then undergoes a proliferation phase in which multiple, secondary morulae develop. C. floridanum has also evolved a caste system whereby some secondary morulae develop into soldier larvae whose function is defense whereas others develop into reproductive larvae that become adult wasps. In the current study, we conducted manipulative and candidate gene studies to identify factors affecting the proliferation phase of C. floridanum development. Transplantation of morulae of different ages into different host stages indicated that both embryo age and host environment affected the total number of offspring produced per morula. Morula age and brood size also significantly affected whether offspring of one or both castes were produced in a brood. In contrast, the host environment did not significantly affect caste formation. A putative homolog of the gene hedgehog (Cf-hh) was partially cloned from C. floridanum. In situ hybridization studies indicated that Cf-hh was expressed in secondary morulae during the proliferation phase of development, suggesting a possible role for the Hh signaling pathway in the evolution of polyembryony.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The chemistry of sexual deception in an orchid-wasp pollination system.

The "sexually deceptive" orchid Chiloglottis trapeziformis attracts males of its pollinator species, the thynnine wasp Neozeleboria cryptoides, by emitting a unique volatile compound, 2-ethyl-5-propylcyclohexan-1,3-dione, which is also produced by female wasps as a male-attracting sex pheromone.

Animals↗
PubMed2007

Haploid females in the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis.

The insect order of Hymenoptera (ants, bees, sawflies, and wasps) consists almost entirely of haplodiploid species. Under haplodiploidy, males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid, whereas females develop from fertilized eggs and are diploid. Although diploid males commonly occur, haploid females have never been reported. In analyzing the phenomenon of gynandromorphism in the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis, we found a line that generates complete phenotypic females from unfertilized eggs. These females have ovaries, can lay eggs, and are haploid, as shown by cytological and flow cytometric analyses. The data show that diploidy is not necessary for female development.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The cytogenetics of thelytoky in a predominantly asexual parasitoid wasp with covert sex.

Asexual lineages in the parasitoid wasp Lysiphlebus fabarum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) have previously been shown to have occasionally undergone sexual reproduction and recombination with males from related sexual populations. In the present study, the cytogenetic system of asexual females in this species is shown by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining to be central fusion automixis. This system has the potential to allow occasional sex and recombination without leading to an elevation of ploidy and with the maintenance of at least some heterozygosity. No evidence of the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia was found, and the observed system was compared with that in parasitoid wasps where asexuality is the result of Wolbachia infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The population biology of oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae).

Oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae, Cynipini) are characterized by possession of complex cyclically parthenogenetic life cycles and the ability to induce a wide diversity of highly complex species- and generation-specific galls on oaks and other Fagaceae. The galls support species-rich, closed communities of inquilines and parasitoids that have become a model system in community ecology. We review recent advances in the ecology of oak cynipids, with particular emphasis on life cycle characteristics and the dynamics of the interactions between host plants, gall wasps, and natural enemies. We assess the importance of gall traits in structuring oak cynipid communities and summarize the evidence for bottom-up and top-down effects across trophic levels. We identify major unanswered questions and suggest approaches for the future.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2000

Purification and immunobiochemical characterization of folding variants of the recombinant major wasp allergen Ves v 5 (antigen 5).

BACKGROUND: Antigen 5 is one of three major allergens in wasp venoms, but unlike phospholipase A(1) and hyaluronidase, both of which are enzymes, its biological function is unknown. The cDNA coding for this allergen has been isolated and used for recombinant expression. Thorough analysis of the expression product is essential in order to evaluate the usefulness for in vivo or in vitro application. OBJECTIVE: In this study, folding variants of the recombinant major allergen Ves v 5 from Vespula vulgaris were immunologically and biochemically investigated in order to determine their possible applicability for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. METHOD: The cDNA encoding Ves v 5 was cloned into the expression vector pSE420 which generates recombinant products lacking a tag sequence. After expression, inclusion bodies were purified, subsequently denatured and dialyzed against different solutions. The structural properties of soluble proteins were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography, non-reducing SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, N-terminal sequencing, proteolytic digestion and ion exchange chromatography. Immunological investigations were performed by using different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for Ves v 5 and IgE from patients allergic to wasp venom allergens. RESULTS: After dialysis, soluble monomeric recombinant Ves v 5 was more than 95% pure in each case. Using different dialysis solutions, clearly distinguishable folding variants were obtained. In one case, the recombinant allergen was comparable with the natural counterpart in respect of migration in non-reducing SDS-PAGE, native PAGE and IgE reactivity. This variant reacted with two different Ves v 5-specific mAbs and produced a stable fragment after proteolytic digestion. Elution from a cation exchange chromatography column was achieved with 320 mM NaCl. In two other cases, folding variants exhibited a different migration behavior in SDS-PAGE and native PAGE compared with the natural allergen. Also, the mAb 1E11 recognized none of these variants since it presumably detected a conformational epitope. Moreover, the IgE reactivity was clearly reduced and proteolytic digestion effected almost complete degradation. These variants eluted from the cation exchange column with 400 mM NaCl. CONCLUSION: Defined folding strategies resulted in both soluble misfolded variants with reduced IgE reactivity, potentially suitable for immunotherapy, and natural-like folded variants for diagnosis.

Allergens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Minimal change glomerulonephritis following a wasp sting.

We report the case of a young white male who developed the nephrotic syndrome after being stung by a wasp. A percutaneous renal biopsy was done revealing minimal change glomerulonephritis. The patient was treated with oral prednisone with resolution of proteinuria. Corticosteroids were gradually tapered, the patient did not experience a relapse, and remains in good health with normal renal function. Herein, we also include a review of the literature on wasp bite associated nephrotic syndrome in patients who underwent a renal biopsy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Scaling in nests of a social wasp: a property of the social group.

The numbers of brood cells in nests built by founding swarms of the Neotropical social wasp Polybia occidentalis closely correlate with the numbers of wasps in the swarms. We analyzed nests of different sizes to determine how they scale with respect to the allocation of brood cells among combs. Three patterns were evident: compared to smaller nests, larger nests have (1) more combs and (2) larger combs; and (3) among nests containing the same number of combs, the last two combs diverge in relative size as nest size increases. Taken together, these results suggest that members of a swarm somehow "know" the size of the swarm they are in. This information feeds back to individual builders, which quantitatively modulate their responses to stigmergic cues in ways that result in the nest-size-scaled allocation of brood cells among combs. The patterns also suggest that swarms fine-tune the final size of their nests by making corrections as they build.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Acute myocardial infarction after wasp sting].

Myocardial infarction after wasp sting is a rare event and this complication has been described in only a few previous occasions. We report the case of a 77-year-old patient admitted to our hospital because of an anaphylactic shock after he was stung by a wasp on the fifth finger of the left hand. Within about half an hour he sustained an acute myocardial infarction. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms include severe hypotension due to hypovolemic shock and coronary spasm with subsequent thrombosis of coronary vessels developed after the release of vasoactive, inflammatory and thrombogenic substances contained in the hymenoptera venom.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Phylogenetic relationships of fig wasps pollinating functionally dioecious Ficus based on mitochondrial DNA sequences and morphology.

The obligate mutualism between pollinating fig wasps in the family Agaonidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) and Ficus species (Moraceae) is often regarded as an example of co-evolution but little is known about the history of the interaction, and understanding the origin of functionally dioecious fig pollination has been especially difficult. The phylogenetic relationships of fig wasps pollinating functionally dioecious Ficus were inferred from mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene sequences (mtDNA) and morphology. Separate and combined analyses indicated that the pollinators of functionally dioecious figs are not monophyletic. However, pollinator relationships were generally congruent with host phylogeny and support a revised classification of Ficus. Ancestral changes in pollinator ovipositor length also correlated with changes in fig breeding systems. In particular, the relative elongation of the ovipositor was associated with the repeated loss of functionally dioecious pollination. The concerted evolution of interacting morphologies may bias estimates of phylogeny based on female head characters, but homoplasy is not so strong in other morphological traits. The lesser phylogenetic utility of morphology than of mtDNA is not due to rampant convergence in morphology but rather to the greater number of potentially informative characters in DNA sequence data; patterns of nucleotide substitution also limit the utility of mtDNA findings. Nonetheless, inferring the ancestral associations of fig pollinators from the best-supported phylogeny provided strong evidence of host conservatism in this highly specialized mutualism.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

The natural history of the mud-dauber wasp Sceliphron fistularium (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in southeastern Brazil.

Nests of Sceliphron fistularium were obtained in Colombia and Moji Guaçu, São Paulo, Brazil. Complete nests consisted of 1 to 54 sausage-shaped cells, arranged side by side along a horizontal axis, and found attached to electrical wires (Colombia, n = 7) and walls (Colombia, n = 4 and Moji Guaçu, n = 4). The number of cells per nest ranged from 1 to 54, their length varying from 20.8 to 29.7 mm, and their diameter from 7.6 to 11.7 mm. Brood cells were provisioned with spiders of the family Araneidae. Only Alpaida veniliae was collected in Colombia, whereas the most frequent species found in Moji Guaçu was Micrathena swainsoni (62.0%) followed by M. acuta (23.3%). Adults emerged from June to October. The length and diameter of female and male cells were similar. Nevertheless, females were significantly larger than males. The sex ratio of individuals obtained from nests was 1.16 females: 1 male. A life table was constructed, and details of the life cycle of the wasps and parasitoids are presented. The most common mortality factors were either unknown or due to the parasitoid wasp Melittobia sp.

Animals↗