Table 3.
Aphid behavior and fitness after the injection of water, U-MYRTX-MANr1 (16 mg·mL−1) or Manica rubida crude venom (1 mg·mL−1) (30 individuals injected per treatment). Observations were recorded immediately after injection and 1 h later.
| Treatment | Immediately Post-Injection | 1 h Post-Injection |
|---|---|---|
| Control (water) |
Immediate righting; responsiveness < 10 s; fast and active movement |
No visible impact on vitality or fitness |
| U-MYRTX-MANr1 16 mg·mL−1 |
Delayed righting Response; ~1 min; Disoriented and slow movement (mild paralysis) |
Moderate reduction of vitality and fitness; continuous mild paralysis |
| Crude venom 1 mg·mL−1 |
Delayed or no righting (>3 min); very limited movement (strong paralysis) |
Extreme reduction of vitality and fitness (~40% with no physiological reactions); continuous strong paralysis; necrosis and extensive loss of hemolymph |