Insect Cultivates Bacteria in Antennae

Apr 02, 09:10 AM

Current Headlines: German scientists have shown a species of insect cultivates bacteria in its antennae to protect itself against fungal attack.

Martin Kaltenpoth and colleagues at the University of Regensburg found females of the European Beewolf cultivate the bacteria in the glands of their antennae and apply them to the brood cell before they lay their eggs.

The larvae take up the bacteria and apply them to the silk threads of their cocoons, said Kaltenpoth.

The researchers said their experiments indicate the streptomycetes bacteria protect the cocoon from fungal infection and significantly enhance the larva's chances of survival during hibernation in the soil, possibly by producing antibiotics.

Kaltenpoth presented the study during the weekend in Glasgow, Scotland, at the annual meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology.