The Drosophila‐parasitizing wasp Leptopilina heterotoma: A comprehensive model system in ecology and evolution

Abstract

The parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma has been used as a model system for more than 70 years, contributing greatly to diverse research areas in ecology and evolution. Here, we synthesized the large body of work on L. heterotoma with the aim to identify new research avenues that could be of interest also for researchers studying other parasitoids and insects. We start our review with a description of typical L. heterotoma characteristics, as well as that of the higher taxonomic groups to which this species belongs. We then continue discussing host suitability and immunity, foraging behaviors, as well as fat accumulation and life histories. We subsequently shift our focus towards parasitoid‐parasitoid interactions, including L. heterotoma coexistence within the larger guild of Drosophila parasitoids, chemical communication, as well as mating and population structuring. We conclude our review by highlighting the assets of L. heterotoma as a model system, including its intermediate life history syndromes, the ease of observing and collecting natural hosts and wasps, as well as recent genomic advances.

Transcriptomic Insights into Host Metabolism and Immunity Changes after Parasitization by Leptopilina myrica

“…Increased expression levels of hpd may lead to a faster cuticle maturation of parasitoid wasp larvae, thus enhancing their ability to defend against the host immune responses and improve their survival. Given that parasitoid larvae obtain all the necessary nutrients from their hosts, they directly derive lipids from their hosts, consequently diminishing their own ability for lipid synthesis [51][52][53]. This adaptation was further evidenced by the two upregulated host fatty acid synthesis genes (FASN1 and ACC), supporting the perspective that parasitoids regulate the host's lipid metabolism for their own benefit.…”

Strength of enemy release from parasitoids is context-dependent in the invasive African Fig Fly,Zaprionus indianus

“…Invasive species lack this coevolutionary relationship, which raises questions about how they interact with parasitoids of established drosophilids (Kraaijeveld et al 1998). Leptopilina heterotoma is a generalist parasitoid wasp found in North America that parasitizes larvae of numerous drosophilid species due to its low selection threshold (Quicray et al 2023, de Bruijn et al 2022). Although L. heterotoma is a generalist, not all hosts are suitable for parasitoid development (Quicray et al 2023).…”

“…Leptopilina heterotoma is a generalist parasitoid wasp found in North America that parasitizes larvae of numerous drosophilid species due to its low selection threshold (Quicray et al 2023, de Bruijn et al 2022). Although L. heterotoma is a generalist, not all hosts are suitable for parasitoid development (Quicray et al 2023). When examining Z. indianus' cellular immune response to parasitization, Kacsoh et al (2014) found that while L. heterotoma detects Z. indianus as potential hosts (e.g., ovipositing in larvae), the majority of Z. indianus successfully emerged as adults, suggesting that the immune system of Z. indianus is resistant to L. heterotoma.…”

Reproductive performance effects of rearing the quasi-social parasitoid,Sclerodermus brevicornis(Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), on a factitious host

“…Furthermore, parasitoids may use chemical cues associated with the host they developed from to inform their future foraging behaviors ( Pomari-Fernandes et al 2015 , Bertin et al 2017 ). Finding and recognizing hosts in the field can be a complex challenge for female parasitoids ( Fellowes et al 2023 , Quicray et al 2023 ) and may be more difficult for parasitoids that utilize cues associated with hosts employed in artificial rearing systems ( Gandolfi et al 2003 ).…”