Effects of age and gender on immune function of dragonflies (Odonata, Lestidae) from a wild population
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Immunity is a crucial determinant of fitness. Despite this, very few studies have addressed the expression of immune function in insect populations in the wild. I present data on two immune parameters, hemocyte load and expression of phenoloxidase, in adult damselflies (Lestes viridis) from a wild population. In a comparison of newly emerged with sexually mature adults, it was found that the latter had higher hemocyte loads but lower phenoloxidase expression. Mature females showed significantly higher phenoloxidase expression than mature males. The sexual differences might be explained by gender differences in life history.
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1998 ◽
Vol 511
(2)
◽
pp. 533-548
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