Entomological, ecological, and evolutionary implications of photodynamic action

Abstract

The entomological, ecological, and evolutionary implications of photodynamic action, heretofore neglected, merit investigation for both scientific and practical purposes. All of the necessary ingredients and conditions are commonplace for the operation of photodynamic action on insects, as well as on other organisms. As an influence affecting individuals, it must affect populations. Acting differentially among the genetically heterogeneous members of populations it must also operate as a genetic selection pressure. Inasmuch as photosensitizing substances are to be found among insecticidal compounds, as well as among natural pigments in food substances of insects, population and evolutionary effects must be expected. Photosensitizing pigments might well be a factor of host resistance against consuming organisms, and thereby constitute a counterselection pressure against them. A continuing reciprocal counterevolutionary process may then continue. The consumer which can overcome or bypass the influence has a further advantage of being freed from competitors by the factors in the host.