The distribution of aphids in response to variation among individual host plants: Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Homoptera: Aphididae) andRudbeckia laciniata (Asteraceae)

Abstract. 1. An investigation was conducted to determine the effects of variation among individual plants of Rudbeckia laciniata L. on the distribution and abundance of the aphid Uroleucon rudbeckiae (Fitch).
2. Wild plants were examined repeatedly for up to 2¹/₂ years to obtain information about plant growth and flowering, and about aphid densities on individual plants.
3. Aphid densities on individual plants were positively associated with several measures of plant vigour, including height, growth since previous year, and occurrence of flowers.
4. The colonization of plants by alate aphids was more highly correlated with plant height than with plant exposure. Aphid densities on individual plants were more strongly associated with plant height than with number of colonists.
5. In all years there were many hosts which were never colonized by aphids. Some of these plants produced shoots but did not flower. Experimental infestation of these plants showed that they were unsuitable for aphid growth and reproduction. Some plants which did flower and which escaped aphid infestation were nevertheless suitable hosts. Previously unsuitable host individuals were able to support aphids when grown under glass-house conditions.