Cardenolides in the Defense of Caenocoris nerii (Hemiptera)

Abstract
Herbivores feeding on cardenolide-containing plants may obtain antidepredatory advantages by sequestering these chemicals. We reared some Caenocoris nerii (Ger.) on their natural food, oleander seeds which contain cardiac glycosides. We raised another group of the bugs by feeding them sunflower seeds (cardenolide-free). We then offered both types of insects to 16 naive common quails. About 85% of all C. nerii survived the quails'' attacks (touch without eating). However, the oleander seed-fed bugs were significantly less likely to be killed (those fatally attacked plus those eaten) compared with those C. nerii eating sunflower seeds. Therefore, while internally manufactured defenses were useful, improved protection was afforded by feeding on oleander seeds.

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