The venom IDDF-mediated hijacking strategy of A. japonica and its host Drosophila melanogaster (IMAGE)
Caption
In the uninfected condition, a Drosophila larva contains adult precursor tissues called the imaginal discs (such as those for the wings, eyes, legs, etc) inside its body. The fly larva undergoes metamorphosis, transforming into an adult fly. In the infected condition, A. japonica injects venom and an egg into the host larva. The imaginal discs are degraded by venom proteins called IDDFs, which prevent the host from undergoing metamorphosis. The wasp larva consumes the host's body, eventually eclosing from the host fly's pupal case.
Credit
Sara Kobayashi
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