Cuticular Strengthening Across Drosophila Species: A Conserved Mechanism to Protect Against Parasitoid Wasps?
Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Biology
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
24-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
The correct recognition and response to environmental threats is critical for organismal survival. In nature, parasitoid wasps pose a significant threat to vinegar flies (Drosophila spp.). Female parasitoid wasps oviposit their eggs into fly hosts, and once the offspring hatches, the developing wasp eventually consumes the fly from the inside out. Flies have evolved numerous immunological and behavioral mechanisms to protect themselves, but the study of their possible physiological defense mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. In this study, I assayed various fly hosts for their ability to enhance their cuticle for protection against a wasp attack. A low-cost penetrometer assay was developed to determine the force required to pierce the fly cuticle with a fine metal pin, which mimics the wasp ovipositor. D. melanogaster and closely related species showed a trend of enhancing their cuticle stiffness when exposed to wasps. Additionally, flies had a trend of higher survival when given advanced warning of an imminent wasp attack. These data suggest the possibility of a third defensive mechanism flies use to protect themselves, particularly at a vulnerable stage of their life cycle.
Cuticular Strengthening Across Drosophila Species: A Conserved Mechanism to Protect Against Parasitoid Wasps?
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
The correct recognition and response to environmental threats is critical for organismal survival. In nature, parasitoid wasps pose a significant threat to vinegar flies (Drosophila spp.). Female parasitoid wasps oviposit their eggs into fly hosts, and once the offspring hatches, the developing wasp eventually consumes the fly from the inside out. Flies have evolved numerous immunological and behavioral mechanisms to protect themselves, but the study of their possible physiological defense mechanisms have remained largely unexplored. In this study, I assayed various fly hosts for their ability to enhance their cuticle for protection against a wasp attack. A low-cost penetrometer assay was developed to determine the force required to pierce the fly cuticle with a fine metal pin, which mimics the wasp ovipositor. D. melanogaster and closely related species showed a trend of enhancing their cuticle stiffness when exposed to wasps. Additionally, flies had a trend of higher survival when given advanced warning of an imminent wasp attack. These data suggest the possibility of a third defensive mechanism flies use to protect themselves, particularly at a vulnerable stage of their life cycle.
Comments
Under the direction of Dr. Shaun Davis.