Encapsulation and melanization. The mealybug defends itself against a natural enemy-but loses

SULLIVAN, D.J. 1981. Encapsulation and melanization. The mealybug defends itself against a natural enemy-but loses. IITA Research Briefs. 6(2):3.

The cassava mealybug has a defense mechanism against its natural enemy Epidinocarsis lopezi. When the female wasp lays its eggs inside the mealybug, the mealybugs blood cells surround or encapsulate the parasitoids egg or larvae. This is followed by a hardening or blackening of the capsule, called melanization, resulting in suffocation and death. However, it seems that the mealybug`s blood cells are not capable of encapsulating several eggs or larvae so one survives to kill the mealybug. (CIAT)