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Why do many galls have conspicuous colors? A new hypothesis

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Abstract

Galls are abnormal plant growth induced by various parasitic organisms, mainly insects. They serve as “incubators” for the developing insects in which they gain nutrition and protection from both abiotic factors and natural enemies. Galls are typically armed with high levels of defensive secondary metabolites. Conspicuousness by color, size and shape is a common gall trait. Many galls are colorful (red, yellow etc.) and therefore can be clearly distinguished from the surrounding host plant organs. Here we outlined a new hypothesis, suggesting that chemically protected galls which are also conspicuous are aposematic. We discuss predictions, alternative hypotheses and experimental tests of this hypothesis.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Martin Schaefer, Stig Larsson and anonymous referees for their critical suggestions and comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Evolutionary & Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science and Science Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, 31905, Israel

    M. Inbar, I. Izhaki, A. Koplovich & I. Lupo

  2. Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel

    N. Silanikove & T. Glasser

  3. Department of Science Education - Biology, Faculty of Science and Science Education, University of Haifa, Oranim, Tivon, 36006, Israel

    Y. Gerchman & S. Lev-Yadun

  4. Department of Natural Resources, Institute of Field Crops, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel

    A. Perevolotsky

Authors
  1. M. Inbar
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  2. I. Izhaki
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  9. S. Lev-Yadun
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Correspondence to M. Inbar.

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Handling Editor: Lars Chittka.

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Inbar, M., Izhaki, I., Koplovich, A. et al. Why do many galls have conspicuous colors? A new hypothesis. Arthropod-Plant Interactions 4, 1–6 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-009-9082-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11829-009-9082-7

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