Wax structures of Scymnus louisianae attenuate aggression from aphid-tending ants.

The cuticular wax structures of Scymnus louisianae J. Chapin larvae were investigated as a defense against ant aggression by Lasius neoniger Emery. The presence of wax structures provided significant defense against ant aggression compared with denuded larvae in that these structures attenuated the aggressive behavior of foraging ants. Furthermore, reapplication of wax dissolved in hexane partially restored defenses associated with intact structures, showing an attenuation of aggression based in part on cuticular wax components rather than solely on physical obstruction to ant mouthparts.