Sex and stress modulate pupal defense response in tobacco hornworm

Abstract In insects, larval and adult defenses against predators have been well studied. However, pupal (also known as resting stage) overlooked not examined thoroughly. Although some pupa possess antipredator strategies such hairs, spines, cryptic coloration, exudation of chemicals, few studies tested these responses the factors affecting them. Here, we investigated behavioral in tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta that pupates soil by introducing an external stimulus using vibrations from electric toothbrush to mimic predation. We observed M. made violent wriggling (twitching), followed pulsating movements response vibrational stimulus. Detailed examination showed twitches events occurred more frequently for longer periods time male were dependent on magnitude stress (high low frequency). when estimated angular force exerted radian momentum twitches, it was found be independent sex. A follow-up experiment possible cascading effects exposure eclosion success revealed low- high-frequency didn’t cause any common defects eclosed adults. Our study clearly demonstrates so-called defenseless stage uses a wide range measurable defense behaviors can actively defend should further-linking behavior with underlying mechanisms.