Incorporation of Na-1-14C-acetate into the fatty acids of two insect parasites (Hymenoptera) reared on different hosts

Abstract

Sodium-1-14C-acetate was injected into larvae of the parasite, Exeristes comstockii, reared on Galleria mellonella or on Lucilia sericata. The concentration and specific activities of the fatty acids in the larvae were measured 24 h later. The concentration of palmitoleic acid was 10 times greater in C. comstockii when it grew on L. sericata but the specific activity of this fatty acid was the same on either host. It is concluded that the level of palmitoleic acid and probably other fatty acids in the parasite is controlled predominantly by changes in metabolic rates which are regulated by the concentration of the fatty acid in the parasite's diet, that is, host tissue. Direct deposition of dietary fat would not accomplish this result.Another parasite, Itoplectus conquisitor, reared on G. mellonella was also examined.