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Parent-Offspring Communication

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The Life History of the Parental Shield Bug, Parastrachia japonensis

Part of the book series: Entomology Monographs ((ENTMON))

Abstract

Parent-offspring communication is an indispensable capability for many social insect species that allows them to make full use of elaborate and complex parental care activities. Parastrachia japonensis Scott (Hemiptera: Parastrachiidae) is one such species. This chapter explains two astonishing phenomena, brilliant examples of parent-offspring communication via vibration that were recently discovered in this species. The first half of the chapter delves into parent-embryo communication that regulates the timing of egg hatching . Parent-embryo communication ensures synchronized hatch and mitigates sibling cannibalism . The second half of the chapter explores parent-nymph communication that involves a mother calling nymphs to gather on the drupes that she brings back to the nest . Parent-nymph communication ensures that nymphs gain equal access to food and likely keeps them hidden from predators until the mother returns to the nest. These communication behaviors are discussed from the viewpoint of fitness of both parents and offspring.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Entomology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

    Hiromi Mukai

  2. Retired from Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga, Japan

    Shintaro Nomakuchi

Authors
  1. Hiromi Mukai
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  2. Shintaro Nomakuchi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA

    Lisa Filippi

  2. Retired from the Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga, Japan

    Shintaro Nomakuchi

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Mukai, H., Nomakuchi, S. (2022). Parent-Offspring Communication. In: Filippi, L., Nomakuchi, S. (eds) The Life History of the Parental Shield Bug, Parastrachia japonensis. Entomology Monographs. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-3018-8_5

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