Allomone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An allomone is any chemical produced and released by an individual of one species that affects the behaviour of a member of another species to the benefit of the originator. Production of allomones is a common form of defence, particularly by plant species against insect herbivores.
[edit] Examples
Disrupt growth and development and reduce longevity of adults eg. toxins or digestibility reducing factors.
Disrupt normal host selection behaviour eg. Repellents, supressants, locomotory excitants.
[edit] Responses
Many insects have developed ways to defend against these plant defenses (in an evolutionary arms race). One method of adapting to allomones is to develop a positive reaction to them; the allomone becomes a kairomone. Others alter the allomones to form pheromones or other hormones, and yet others adopt them into their own defensive strategies, for example by regurgitating them when attacked by a insectivorous insect.de:Allomon
