What type of potent defensive compounds do Oleander aphids incorporate from oleander and milkweeds?
Answer
Cardenolide glycosides
A highly specialized defense mechanism employed by the Oleander aphid involves chemical sequestration derived directly from its primary host plants, which include oleander and various milkweeds. These plants naturally contain powerful defensive compounds known chemically as cardenolide glycosides. These compounds function effectively as cardiac poisons against many potential herbivores. The aphid sequesters these toxins, incorporating them into its own tissues, rendering it toxic to many predators. This toxicity is made apparent via its bright yellow coloration, which serves as a warning signal, and the aphid also fortifies its sugary honeydew excretion with these bitter defensive chemicals.
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