Invasive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spiraea tomentosa</Emphasis>: a new host for monophagous <Emphasis Type="Italic">Earias clorana</Emphasis>?

The introduction of alien species can have a significant impact on the food preferences of native phytophagous insects. The moth Earias clorana L. has previously been considered to be monophagous, ingesting only plants in the genus Salix. In recent years, we have observed larval E. clorana feeding on Spiraea tomentosa L., an invasive shrub species in Central Europe that is native to North America. We hypothesised that this insect can feed on Spiraea tomentosa leaves with no negative effects on its growth and development, and that the leaves of Spiraea tomentosa as a source of food for E. clorana are equally as good as leaves of Salix viminalis L. Our results showed that despite significant differences in the chemical composition of the studied species’ leaves, including a much higher concentration of defence compounds (total soluble phenols and condensed tannins) in Spiraea tomentosa leaves than in those of Salix viminalis, feeding on a new host plant did not significantly affect the survival of larvae. The change in host plant had an unfavourable effect, however, on several parameters of growth and development for the larvae (masses of larvae and pupae, relative growth rates, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food). We conclude that, in comparison to Salix viminalis, Spiraea tomentosa is not a particularly favourable food for larval development. Perhaps, even without direct improvements in adult foraging efficiency, however, the costs of switching hosts may be minimised in larvae that develop on very abundant, invasive species, such as Spiraea tomentosa in Central Europe.     

An Experimental Test of Trade-Offs Associated with the Adaptation to Alternate Host Plants in the Introduced Herbivorous Beetle, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophraella communa</Emphasis>

The adaptation to alternate host plants of introduced herbivorous insects can be vital to agriculture due to the emergence of crop pests. Historically, it is assumed that there are trade-offs associated with the adaptation to new host plants; a generalist genotype that adapts to an alternate host is expected to have a relatively lower fitness on the ancestral host than a specialist genotype (physiological cost) or a relatively lower host-searching ability for the ancestral host plant (behavioral cost). In this study, we tested the costs of adaptation to a new host plant in the introduced herbivorous insect, Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In its native range (United States), O. communa feeds mostly on Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asterales: Asteraceae) and cannot utilize the related species, Ambrosia trifida L. (Asterales: Asteraceae), as a host plant. On the other hand, the introduced O. communa population in Japan utilizes A. trifida extensively, and is adapting to it, both physiologically and behaviorally. We compared larval performance on the ancestral and alternate plants and adult host-searching ability between the native and introduced beetle populations. The introduced O. communa showed higher larval survival and adult feeding preference for the alternate host plant A. trifida than did the native O. communa, indicating that the introduced O. communa has rapidly adapted to the alternate host plant. However, there are no differences in either larval performance on the ancestral host A. artemisiifolia or host-searching accuracy between the native and introduced O. communa.     

Haemolymph Defense Capacity of the Neotropical sawfly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aneugmenus merida</Emphasis> against Ant Predation

The defensive characteristics of the sawflies have received special attention due to the involvement of toxic compounds obtained from host plants. In this context, the haemolymph-based defense is one of the strategies known in sawflies to dissuade the attack of predators. Aneugmenus merida is a neotropical sawfly whose larvae are herbivorous on the toxic bracken fern Pteridium spp. The present study examines the defensive properties of the A. merida larval haemolymph and its possible link with the chemistry of its host plant. We report the behavior of the solitary hunter ant Odontomachus chelifer towards A. merida larvae under laboratory conditions. In addition, we studied the liquid intake behavior of the ants provided with solutions of crude haemolymph, bracken extracts, and its fractions. A. merida larvae showed a marked defensive capacity against the ants. The inhibition of the attack was observed during the stages of antennal contact and mandibular blow, suggesting that larval defensive capacity is due to factors present in the integument and haemolymph. Aqueous and methanolic fractions of haemolymph and bracken also deterred feeding. Although some common compounds were detected in the haemolymph and bracken fractions, they were in very small quantities, suggesting that they are not responsible for the bioactivity. Therefore, the hypothetical connection between the host plant chemistry and larval defensive capacity could not be evidenced. We suggest that the deterrent compounds present in the haemolymph and integument could be jointly acting in the sawfly’s defensive strategy.     

Ants visiting extrafloral nectaries and pyrrolizidine alkaloids may shape how a specialist herbivore feeds on its host plants

The presence of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) attracts predators and parasitoids, and protects the plant against herbivorous insects. By improving plant defences, EFNs reduce the fitness of herbivores. The use of similar host plants with no EFNs or adaptations in response to predators and parasitoids may enhance herbivore fitness. In this context, we studied the feeding habit (on leaves or on unripe seeds inside the pods) of larvae of the specialist moth Utetheisa ornatrix in two Crotalaria host plant species in which EFNs are present (C. micans) or absent (C. paulina). We hypothesized that the moths’ feeding habit was influenced by its natural enemies via their presence on EFNs. In C. micans, we found more larvae feeding inside the pods rather than on the leaves, while in C. paulina, larvae were found in both parts of the plant. There was greater activity of natural enemies in C. micans than in C. paulina. The moth sequesters enough pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PAs) to defend against predators in the leaves and seeds of C. paulina, but only in seeds of C. micans. Therefore, a change in the feeding habit in U. ornatrix larvae is a plastic response that depends on whether EFNs are present or not, or whether PA concentrations are low or high. This change does not affect overall moth performance. However, other factors, such as pod hardness, predation by organisms other than those visiting EFNs or even parasitoids cannot be ruled out as being responsible for the change in feeding habit. To date, both the EFNs and PAs in Crotalaria species are a parsimonious explanation of how larvae of U. ornatrix use different species of Crotalaria for feeding.     

Pathogen invasion triggers an evolutionary trap for an endangered checkerspot butterfly dependent on an exotic host plant

Exotic pathogen invasions can change host eco-evolutionary interactions and possibly create an evolutionary trap when the pathogen generates mismatches between developmental phenology and reproductive cues. Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori), is an endangered species of western North America with 80 % of the extant populations dependent on an exotic host, Plantago lanceolata. Survey of occupied, recently extinct, and unsuccessful butterfly reintroduction sites spanning 4° of latitude revealed widespread disease on P. lanceolata caused by Pyrenopeziza plantaginis. This fungal pathogen, new to North America, reduces the standing crop of P. lanceolata foliage throughout the winter post-diapause larval feeding period. However, disease is absent when adult butterflies and pre-diapause larvae are active. Diseased plants were frequent in Taylor’s checkerspot populations with a history of persistence, but >90 % of the host plants in these populations had initiated new leaves within the first few weeks of post-diapause larval feeding. Conversely, host plants in recently extinct and unsuccessfully reintroduced populations were severely diseased, >66 % mean foliage necrosis/plant, and <23 % had initiated new leaves. Feeding choice trials with 25 larvae indicated that new leaves were strongly and consistently preferred by post-diapause larvae over all other available leaf types, both diseased and non-diseased. Because the influence of disease on post-diapause larval food resources is developmentally disassociated from oviposition, P. plantaginis invasion appears to have triggered an evolutionary trap for Plantago-dependent populations of Taylor’s checkerspot.     

Trabala Vishnou Gigantina Yang (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) Larval Fitness on six Sympatric Plant Species in Sea-Buckthorn Forest

Trabala vishnou gigantina Yang (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a major pest that damages the sea-buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides. We observed and compared the feeding preferences of T. vishnou gigantina larvae on six sympatric plant species in a two-choice test. We also compared T. vishnou gigantina fitness, as measured by the following variables: larvae weight, developmental period, pupae versus adult weight, longevity, and fecundity rates. Between host and non-host plants, larvae showed a strong preference for their natural host (sea-buckthorn), followed by apricot, poplar, and willow. Caragana and locust were the least preferred plants when the natural host plant was not present. Larvae reared on sea-buckthorn possessed greater pre-pupal weight, had lower mortality, and developed more quickly into heavier pupae than either poplar-raised or willow-raised larvae. Fecundity was highest on sea-buckthorn, second highest on apricot, and lowest on poplar. Longevity (of both females and males) was not significantly different across plant species. These results clearly demonstrate that T. vishnou gigantina larvae are able to distinguish between host versus non-host plants, and that their preference translates to increased fitness. Possible, non-mutually exclusive explanations for observed preference and fitness differences include variation in required nutritional content across plant species or the presence of plant traits (morphological features or chemical metabolites) that negatively affect larval development. While the exact mechanisms are unknown, these data may be useful for the development of appropriate counter-measures to the damage caused by T. vishnou gigantina on sea-buckthorn.     

Toxicity of Secondary Metabolites from Meliaceae Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera frugiperda</Emphasis> (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The study was carried out to evaluate the bioactivity of secondary metabolites from Trichilia pallida, Trichilia pallens, and Toona ciliata against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae. The studied compounds included (+/?)-catechins, a triglyceride, and cedrelone isolated from T. ciliata branches, fruits, and stems, respectively; dammaradienol isolated from T. pallida leaves; and scopoletin isolated from T. pallens branches. The compounds’ activity was evaluated through ingestion and topic treatment. Treated artificial diet was offered to first instar larvae to evaluate ingestion effect, while an application on the dorsal thoracic region of third instar larvae was used to evaluate the topic effect. Mortality was assessed daily, and larval weight was recorded after 7 days for ingestion and 5 days for topic application. Scopoletin and triglyceride caused low mortality rates and reduction in larval weight by ingestion, (+/?)-catechins caused larval weight reduction by ingestion, and scopoletin reduced survival by topic treatment. The most effective compound was cedrelone that affected larval survival and development mainly by ingestion. The estimated LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and EC₅₀ for cedrelone were 0.0365, 0.0659, and 0.0095%, respectively. Further, cedrelone-treated corn leaf discs were offered to fourth instar larvae during 16 h in choice and no-choice tests. The deterrence indexes obtained in the choice tests were 23.5 and 36.3% at concentrations of 0.0365 and 0.0659, respectively. Consumption of cedrelone-treated leaf discs at the concentration of 0.0659% was lower compared to the control in the no-choice test. Thus, cedrelone caused lethal and sublethal effects and phagodeterrence on S. frugiperda and should be further studied.     

On distribution and ecology of some species of cleonines (Coleoptera,Curculionidae): IV. Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lixus</Emphasis> F., subgenus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eulixus</Emphasis> Reitt.

Data on habitats, food plants of larvae and adults, feeding, mating, oviposition, larval and pupal development, natural enemies, and distribution of seven weevil species (Lixus canescens F.-W., L. iridis Ol., L. myagri Ol., L. punctirostris Boh., L. subtilis Boh., L. incanescens Boh., and L. brevipes Bris.) are given. New host plants of L. canescens and L. iridis are revealed. Gall induction by L. brevipes is reported for the first time. Distribution of all the species in Ukraine and Russia (the latter based on the literature) are given in more detail. Information on the known and potential economic importance of every species is provided.     

Impact of flower rewards on phytophagous insects: importance of pollen and nectar for the development of the pollen beetle (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassicogethes aeneus</Emphasis>)

Entomophilous plants reward pollinators with provision of nutrient-rich foods such as pollen and nectar. These rewards contain compounds that are essential to insect development and can be used by pollinators as well as herbivorous insects. The pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus, syn. Meligethes aeneus) whose larvae develop in oilseed rape flowers (Brassica napus) is known to feed on pollen. Previous studies already showed the importance of pollen on the development of this insect but it seems that other resource, such as nectar, could also be used. The purpose of this study was to assess the respective roles of pollen and nectar on pollen beetle development. We tested their role with behavioural and developmental experiments using flowers where the presence and absence of nectar and pollen varied. Larvae, irrespective of their instar, fed both on anthers and nectar. Nectar did not influence larval development or adult survival while pollen influenced development by increasing both larval and adult weight. However, pollen did not affect larval or adult survival nor development time. These results indicate that pollen beetle larvae are adapted to deal with various diets and can complete their development without pollen or nectar.     

Rate of consumption,biological parameters,and population growth capacity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orius laevigatus</Emphasis> fed on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera exigua</Emphasis>

Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is already successfully used to control Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in protected crops. In the present work, the predatory capacity of O. laevigatus on the eggs and larvae of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as well as the population growth capacity of O. laevigatus fed on eggs of the noctuid were determined. Fourth and 5th instar nymphs had a greater consumption of eggs than younger ones. Females consumed more eggs than males. Only 5th instar nymphs and adults preyed on the neonatal larvae of S. exigua. The intrinsic rate of natural increase did not differ between O. laevigatus fed with S. exigua eggs and those offered eggs of the substitute host Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Thus, O. laevigatus is a good candidate for the biological control of S. exigua, a cosmopolitan pest of many crops.     

The importance of resource distribution: spatial co-occurrence of host plants and host ants coincides with increased egg densities of the Dusky Large Blue <Emphasis Type="Italic">Maculinea nausithous</Emphasis> (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

The occurrence of the Dusky Large Blue Butterfly (Maculinea nausithous) critically depends on the availability of two key resources: the Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) as primary nectar source for adults, for egg laying and early larval development, and the host ant Myrmica rubra as the food of late instar larvae. Thus, their distributions are key parameters shaping habitat suitability, and we expected that overlapping of both resources would have a strong impact on the size of local M. nausithous populations. Their egg density may be affected (a) by the fraction of host plants per site located within My. rubra activity ranges at the patch scale, or (b) by the availability of host plants with host ants in close range at the local scale, due to the potential ability of butterfly females to detect their host ants. To test the above hypothesis, we recorded spatial distribution patterns of host plants and host ants on 29 study sites in south-western Germany and related them to egg density data of M. nausithous. We found a positive relationship between co-occurence of host plant and host ant and M. nausithous egg density at the patch scale, whereas no correlation was found at the local scale. Thus, focal populations are strongly limited by the abundance of host plants, covered with My. rubra activity, as ant-mediated oviposition could not be proved. Our results underline the importance of resource distribution; the understanding of its impacts may provide useful insights into how M. nausithous habitats can be managed in order increase their carrying capacity.     

How do two specialist butterflies determine growth and biomass of a shared host plant?

Although insect herbivory can modify subsequent quantity and quality of their host plants, change in plant quantity following herbivory has received less attention than plant quality. In particular, little is known about how previous herbivore damage determines plant growth and biomass in an insect species-specific manner. We explored whether herbivore species-specific food demand influences plant growth and biomass. To do this, we conducted a series of experiments and field survey using two specialist butterflies, Sericinus montela and Atrophaneura alcinous, and their host plant, Aristolochia debilis. It is known that A. alcinous larva requires four times more food resources to fulfill its development than S. montela larva. Despite that A. alcinous larvae imposed greater damage on plants than S. montela larvae, plant growth did not differ due to herbivory by these species both in single and multiple herbivory events. On the other hand, total aboveground biomass of the plants was reduced more by A. alcinous than S. montela feeding regardless of the number of herbivory events. Feeding on plants with a history of previous herbivory neither decreased nor increased larval growth. Our results suggest that food demand of the two butterfly species determined subsequent plant biomass, although the plant response may depend on tolerance of the host plant (i.e., ability to compensate for herbivore damage). Such difference in the effects of different herbivore species on host plant biomass is more likely to occur than previously thought, because food demand differs in most herbivore species sharing a host plant.     

Life history and life table of the host-feeding parasitoid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hemiptarsenus varicornis</Emphasis> (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Girault), a destructive host-feeding wasp, is an important biocontrol agent/larval ectoparasitoid of agromyzid leafminers worldwide. In the present study, the life history and life table of H. varicornis reared with Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) were studied at a constant 27 °C. The developmental durations of female and male eggs, larvae, prepupae, pupae and total immature wasps were 1.00 and 1.00, 2.57 and 2.62, 0.45 and 0.37, 3.88 and 3.52, and 7.90 and 7.52 days, respectively. This wasp showed three types of host-killing behavior: reproductive parasitization (parasitism), non-reproductive host feeding (host feeding), and host stinging without oviposition or feeding (host stinging), resulting in 133.9, 303.8, and 84.2, respectively, killed host larvae. We confirm that H. varicornis is a strong synovigenic parasitoid, with an ovigeny index of 0.003. The number of host-feeding events was strongly correlated with parasitism, host-stinging events, longevity and total host mortality. The intrinsic rate of increase, the finite rate of increase, the net reproductive rate, the gross reproduction rate, and the mean length of a generation of H. varicornis were 0.3011/day, 1.3624/day, 66.22 offspring/individual, 168.33 offspring/individual, and 13.56 days, respectively. These results could contribute to a better understanding of the biocontrol efficiency of this destructive host feeder.     

Predation on crown-of-thorns starfish larvae by damselfishes

Examining the functional response of predators can provide insight into the role of predation in structuring prey populations and ecological communities. This study explored feeding behaviour and functional responses of planktivorous damselfishes when offered captive reared larvae of crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster sp., with the aim of determining whether these predators could ever play a role in moderating outbreaks of Acanthaster sp. We examined predatory behaviour of 11 species of planktivorous damselfish, testing: (1) the relationship between predator size and predation rate, both within and among fish species; (2) consumption rates on larvae of Acanthaster sp. versus larvae of a common, co-occurring coral reef asteroid Linckia laevigata; (3) maximal feeding rates upon both Acanthaster sp. and L. laevigata; and (4) functional responses of planktivorous fishes to increasing densities of Acanthaster sp. Consumption rates of crown-of-thorns larvae by damselfishes were independent of predator size; however, there was a significant negative relationship between predator size and consumption rate of L. laevigata, when pooling across all predatory species. Some damselfishes, including Acanthochromis polyacanthus and Amblyglyphidodon curacao, consumed larval Acanthaster sp. at a greater rate than for L. laevigata. Most predatory species (all except A. curacao and Pomacentrus amboinensis) exhibited a Type II functional response whereby the increasing feeding rate decelerated with increasing prey density. In addition to revealing that a wide range of planktivorous fishes can prey upon larvae of Acanthaster sp., these data suggest that planktivorous damselfishes may have the capacity to buffer against population fluctuations of Acanthaster sp. Importantly, predators with Type II functional responses often contribute to stability of prey populations, though planktivorous fishes may be swamped by an abnormally high influx of larvae, potentially contributing to the characteristic population fluctuations of Acanthaster sp.     

Patterns of microbial food webs in Mediterranean shallow lakes with contrasting nutrient levels and predation pressures

Hygraula nitens is a New Zealand native moth with aquatic larvae that feed on submerged aquatic plants. The larvae have been mainly observed using native Potamogeton and Myriophyllum species as a food source, although some studies reported larvae feeding on the alien macrophytes Hydrilla verticillata, Lagarosiphon major and Ceratophyllum demersum. Experimental mesocosm studies showed larvae had a major effect on H. verticillata, C. demersum, L. major, Elodea canadensis and Egeria densa. In both no choice and choice experiments H. nitens larvae showed a clear preference for and the highest consumption of C. demersum, while the native macrophyte Myriophyllum triphyllum ranked fourth out of five alien and two native plant species, indicating a preference of the larvae for alien macrophytes. Additional choice experiments using C. demersum, sampled from different waters in NZ, illustrated that there was a clear difference in H. nitens preference for plants based on their source. However although C. demersum had the lowest leaf dry matter content (LDMC) compared with the other macrophytes, neither the LDMC nor leaf carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or total phenolic contents alone could explain the preferences of H. nitens, and we conclude that food choice is based on a combination of these and/or additional factors.     

Spraying pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides can induce outbreaks of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Panonychus citri</Emphasis> (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) in citrus groves

Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) is one of the main defoliator mites in citrus groves. In Brazil, P. citri was formerly considered a secondary pest, but in recent years, the population levels of this mite have increased in many groves, requiring additional acaricide applications for its control. The population growth of P. citri is associated with the increase in the number of applications of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides to control insect citrus pests. This study assessed the effects of pyrethroid (deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, λ-cyhalothrin) and neonicotinoid (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) insecticides on biological, behavioral and demographic parameters of P. citri. None of the insecticides tested affected larval hatching, but deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, and λ-cyhalothrin reduced the survival of larvae and protonymphs. Deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, and λ-cyhalothrin induced a significant increase in the fecundity of surviving females. Pyrethroids also caused repellency and changed feeding and oviposition preferences. In contrast, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam did not affect the survival of immature stages, but imidacloprid significantly increased fecundity. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam did not cause any repellent effect or changes in the feeding and oviposition preferences. Based on the demographic parameters, deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and imidacloprid increased R_o, r, and λ, whereas esfenvalerate and thiamethoxam were similar to the control. Therefore, the use of these insecticides (especially deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and imidacloprid) requires caution, such as avoiding repeated use of these compounds during the periods of P. citri incidence in citrus groves.     

Host plants influence female oviposition and larval performance in West Indian sweet potato weevils <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euscepes postfasciatus</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) is an invasive pest of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and is also parasitic to other wild host plants of the Ipomoea genus. The population density of E. postfasciatus is sometimes greater in Ipomoea pes-caprae L. than in Ipomoea indica (Burm. f.). We investigated the desirability of I. pes-caprae as a host plant for E. postfasciatus in terms of reproductive and developmental potential. Females laid fewer eggs on I. pes-caprae, and the eclosion of their larvae was delayed compared with on I. indica. Furthermore, the larval growth rate was slower on I. pes-caprae than on I. indica. These results suggest that I. pes-caprae is not always the preferred host for egg laying and growth rate in the early developmental stages. However, the larval survival rate after the initial period of development was markedly better on I. pes-caprae than on I. indica. The present simulation study demonstrated that the population density of E. postfasciatus on I. pes-caprae overwhelmed that on I. indica over generations. Comparing the two wild host plant species, I. pes-caprae outweighs I. indica with respect to total population growth, but reproduction on I. indica may be advantageous for the colonization of the new habitat.     

Biogeography and phenology of oviposition preference and larval performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris virginiensis</Emphasis> butterflies on native and invasive host plants

In invaded environments, formerly reliable cues might no longer be associated with adaptive outcomes and organisms can become trapped by their evolved responses. The invasion of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) into the native habitat of Pieris virginiensis (West Virginia White) is one such example. Female butterflies oviposit on the invasive plant because it is related to their preferred native host plant Cardamine diphylla (toothwort), but larvae are unable to complete development. We have studied the impact of the A. petiolata invasion on P. virginiensis butterflies in the Southeastern USA by comparing oviposition preference and larval survival on both plants in North Carolina (NC) populations without A. petiolata and West Virginia (WV) populations where A. petiolata is present. Larval survival to the 3rd instar was equally low in both populations when raised on A. petiolata. Mean oviposition preference on the two plants also did not differ between populations. However, we found a seasonal effect on preference between early and late season flights within WV populations. Late season females laid 99% of total eggs on A. petiolata while early season females utilized both host plants. Late season females were also less likely to lay eggs than early season females. This change in preference toward A. petiolata could be driven by the early senescence of C. diphylla and suggests a seasonal component to the impact of A. petiolata. Therefore, the already short flight season of P. virginiensis could become further constrained in invaded populations.     

The fitness of the cotton mealybug <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> (Tinsley) is reduced after feeding on virus-infected <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hibiscus rosa</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">sinensis</Emphasis>

The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) and Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMV), serious threats to economic crops and garden plants, have invaded southern China and widely infected Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Whether an inter-species connection has facilitated the invasion process is unclear. In this study the interaction between P. solenopsis and H. rosa-sinensis infected with CLCuMV was investigated in the laboratory. We observed that 1st and 2nd instar nymphs of P. solenopsis preferred to feed on healthy H. rosa-sinensis leaves, whereas 3rd instar nymphs and female adults had no preference between healthy and virus-infected H. rosa-sinensis leaves. The developmental time of each P. solenopsis developmental stage increased significantly after feeding on infected H. rosa-sinensis leaves (p < 0.05). In particular, the development time for 2nd instar female and male nymphs and 3rd instar female nymphs increased by approximately twofold. The generation time of female mealybugs increased from 25.84 d on healthy H. rosa-sinensis to 32.12 d when feeding on CLCuMV-infected H. rosa-sinensis, and the survival rate decreased from 71.04 % on healthy H. rosa-sinensis to 5.80 % on infected plants. Nymph survival was most affected by feeding on infected plants. Additionally, the fecundity of female mealybugs feeding on infected H. rosa-sinensis decreased by 47.8 %. Thus, feeding on CLCuMV-infected H. rosa-sinensis significantly decreased the biological fitness and invading and colonizing abilities of P. solenopsis.     

Evolution of increased larval competitive ability in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila melanogaster</Emphasis> without increased larval feeding rate

Multiple experimental evolution studies on Drosophila melanogaster in the 1980s and 1990s indicated that enhanced competitive ability evolved primarily through increased larval tolerance to nitrogenous wastes and increased larval feeding and foraging rate, at the cost of efficiency of food conversion to biomass, and this became the widely accepted view of how adaptation to larval crowding evolves in fruitflies. We recently showed that populations of D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta subjected to extreme larval crowding evolved greater competitive ability without evolving higher feeding rates, primarily through a combination of reduced larval duration, faster attainment of minimum critical size for pupation, greater efficiency of food conversion to biomass, increased pupation height and, perhaps, greater urea/ammonia tolerance. This was a very different suite of traits than that seen to evolve under similar selection in D. melanogaster and was closer to the expectations from the theory of K-selection. At that time, we suggested two possible reasons for the differences in the phenotypic correlates of greater competitive ability seen in the studies with D. melanogaster and the other two species. First, that D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta had a very different genetic architecture of traits affecting competitive ability compared to the long-term laboratory populations of D. melanogaster used in the earlier studies, either because the populations of the former two species were relatively recently wild-caught, or by virtue of being different species. Second, that the different evolutionary trajectories in D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta versus D. melanogaster were a reflection of differences in the manner in which larval crowding was imposed in the two sets of selection experiments. The D. melanogaster studies used a higher absolute density of eggs per unit volume of food, and a substantially larger total volume of food, than the studies on D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta. Here, we show that long-term laboratory populations of D. melanogaster, descended from some of the populations used in the earlier studies, evolve essentially the same set of traits as the D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta crowding-adapted populations when subjected to a similar larval density at low absolute volumes of food. As in the case of D. ananassae and D. n. nasuta, and in stark contrast to earlier studies with D. melanogaster, these crowding-adapted populations of D. melanogaster did not evolve greater larval feeding rates as a correlate of increased competitive ability. The present results clearly suggest that the suite of phenotypes through which the evolution of greater competitive ability is achieved in fruitflies depends critically not just on larval density per unit volume of food, but also on the total amount of food available in the culture vials. We discuss these results in the context of an hypothesis about how larval density and the height of the food column in culture vials might interact to alter the fitness costs and benefits of increased larval feeding rates, thus resulting in different routes to the evolution of greater competitive ability, depending on the details of exactly how the larval crowding was implemented.