Chemical Mimicry in the Myrmecophilous BeetleMyrmecaphodius excavaticollis

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Abstract
The myrmecophilus beetleMyrmecaphodius excavaticollis(Blanchard) was found to have species-specific cuticular hydrocarbons acquired-from one of its hosts, the antSolenopsis richteriForel. Removal from its ant host resulted in loss of the host hydrocarbons, leaving a cuticular pattern innate to the beetle. When beetles were transferred to colonies of three otherSolenopsisspecies, they acquired the specific hydrocarbons associated with each of the new hosts. This passive integration mechanism is coupled with the beetle's armored exterior to enable it to cope with multiple aggressive hosts.