Influence of plant genotype and environment on oviposition preference and offspring survival in a gallmaking herbivore

Summary Plant resistance to insect herbivores may derive from traits influencing herbivore preference, traits influencing the suitability of the plant as a host, or both. However, the plant traits influencing host-plant selection by ovipositing insect herbivores may not completely overlap those traits that affect larval survival, and distinct traits may exhibit different levels of genetic vs. environmental control. Therefore, resource supply to the host plant could affect oviposition preference and larval performance differently in different plant genotypes. To test this hypothesis, the effects of resistance level, plant genotype, and resource supply to the host plant on oviposition preference and larval performance of a gallmaking herbivore, and on various plant traits that could influence these, were examined. Replicates of four genotypes of Solidago altissima, grown under low, medium, or high levels of nutrient supply in full sun or with medium levels of nutrients in shade, were exposed to mass-released Eurosta solidaginis. The number of plants ovipunctured was significantly affected by plant genotype and the interaction between genotype and nutrient supply to the host plant: one susceptible and one resistant genotype were more preferred, and preference tended to increase with nutrient supply in the more-preferred genotypes. The growth rate of ovipunctured plants during the oviposition period was significantly greater than that of unpunctured plants. Bud diameter (which was strongly correlated with plant growth rate), leaf area, and leaf water content were significant determinants of the percentage of plants ovipunctured, explaining 74% of the variance. The number of surviving larvae was significantly affected by plant genotype, but no effect of nutrient or light supply to the host plant was detected. The ratio of bud diameter to bud length was positively related to the percentage of ovipunctured plants that formed galls, suggesting that the accurate placement of eggs near the apical meristem by ovipositing females may be easier in short, thick buds. No significant correlation was observed between oviposition preference and larval survival at the population level. These results suggest that the plant traits affecting oviposition preference may exhibit different magnitudes of phenotypic plasticity than those affecting larval survival, and that the degree of phenotypic plasticity in plant traits affecting oviposition preference may differ among genotypes within a species.     

GENETIC COVARIANCE BETWEEN OVIPOSITION PREFERENCE AND LARVAL PERFORMANCE IN AN INSECT HERBIVORE

An experimental study determined that females of the herbivorous fly species Liriomyza sativae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) preferentially oviposit on the plant species on which their female progeny attain the greatest pupal weight. A modified parent/offspring regression was used to quantify this relationship as an additive genetic covariance between host-plant preference and relative performance of female larvae on different plant species. The implications of a genetic covariance between preference and performance on the course of evolution in herbivores are discussed. Several females from one population refused to oviposit on one of the plant species; this population also suffered the only significant larval mortality on this plant. These results corroborate the avoidance of unsuitable host plants seen in the genetic analyses of individuals, but relative to the genetic data, such population-level data are of limited usefulness in the study of evolutionary mechanisms by which insect populations become adapted to their host plants.     

Host-plant genotype and other herbivores influence goldenrod stem galler preference and performance

Ecologists have labored to find an explanation for the lack of a positive correlation between host preference and offspring performance in herbivorous insects. This study focuses on how one herbivore species can influence another herbivore species’ ability to accurately assess the suitability of different host-plant genotypes for larval development. In particular, we examined the role that an early season xylem-feeding homopteran (meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius) has on the preference-performance correlation of a late-season dipteran stem galler (Eurosta solidaginis) among different goldenrod genotypes. In a greenhouse, we released adult stem gallers into replicate cages that contained ramets from four different goldenrod genotypes crossed with three densities of spittlebugs (0, 1, or 8 nymphs placed 2 weeks previously on each ramet). Spittlebug feeding caused a density-dependent decline in ramet growth rates, which in turn caused a corresponding decrease in host-plant preference by the stem gallers (number of ovipunctures per bud or proportion of ramets attacked). Goldenrod genotype and the interaction between spittlebugs and genotypes also influenced host-plant preference by the stem galler. Goldenrod genotype had the greatest impact on stem galler offspring performance (gall size or survivorship). Spittlebug density also affected performance, but only through its interaction with goldenrod genotype. On some genotypes, the survivorship of stem-galler larvae decreased with increasing spittlebug density, while on other genotypes, survivorship remained unchanged, or actually increased, with increasing spittlebug density. This suggests that there was genetic variance among goldenrod genotypes in their norms of reaction for their suitability as a host to the stem gallers. One possible explanation for why spittlebugs caused a significant reduction in preference, but not in performance, was that spittlebugs had very few long-term effects on the host plant. Flower number, flowering phenology, and the allocation of the ramet’s biomass to different structures (below-ground organs, stems, leaves, and flowers) were unchanged with respect to spittlebug density. The only effect of spittlebugs was a 3–4% decrease in ramet height at the end of the growing season. We argue that the lack of a positive correlation between host-plant preference and larval performance may reflect a constraint on the discriminatory ability of female stem gallers. The damage to goldenrods caused by spittlebugs prior to attack by the stem gallers is similar in effect to potentially innumerable other causes of goldenrod stress (e.g., reduction in ramet growth rates). As a consequence, stem gallers may not be able to discern the subtle differences among stresses that identify those that will negatively affect the fitness of stem-galler offspring. The fact that goldenrod genotypes differ in their response to stresses would only further complicate the host-selection process. We propose that the stem gallers may have evolved a strategy that uses simple cues as the basis for rejecting similarly stressed plants, whether all of those plant genotype-stress combinations reduce performance or not. Received: 26 January 1999 / Accepted: 2 June 1999     

Family matters: effect of host plant variation in chemical and mechanical defenses on a sequestering specialist herbivore

Insect herbivores contend with various plant traits that are presumed to function as feeding deterrents. Paradoxically, some specialist insect herbivores might benefit from some of these plant traits, for example by sequestering plant chemical defenses that herbivores then use as their own defense against natural enemies. Larvae of the butterfly species Battus philenor (L.) (Papilionidae) sequester toxic alkaloids (aristolochic acids) from their Aristolochia host plants, rendering larvae and adults unpalatable to a broad range of predators. We studied the importance of two putative defensive traits in Aristolochia erecta: leaf toughness and aristolochic acid content, and we examined the effect of intra- and interplant chemical variation on the chemical phenotype of B. philenor larvae. It has been proposed that genetic variation for sequestration ability is ??invisible to natural selection?? because intra- and interindividual variation in host-plant chemistry will largely eliminate a role for herbivore genetic variation in determining an herbivore??s chemical phenotype. We found substantial intra- and interplant variation in leaf toughness and in the aristolochic acid chemistry in A. erecta. Based on field observations and laboratory experiments, we showed that first-instar larvae preferentially fed on less tough, younger leaves and avoided tougher, older leaves, and we found no evidence that aristolochic acid content influenced first-instar larval foraging. We found that the majority of variation in the amount of aristolochic acid sequestered by larvae was explained by larval family, not by host-plant aristolochic acid content. Heritable variation for sequestration is the predominant determinant of larval, and likely adult, chemical phenotype. This study shows that for these highly specialized herbivores that sequester chemical defenses, traits that offer mechanical resistance, such as leaf toughness, might be more important determinants of early-instar larval foraging behavior and development compared to plant chemical defenses.     

Plant Resistance Affects the Olfactory Response and Parasitism Success of Cotesia vestalis

Understanding the factors influencing host-selection behavior of parasitoids is essential in studies on host-parasitoid ecology and evolution, and in combining sustainable strategies of pest management, such as host-plant resistance and biological control. The effects of host-plant resistance on the olfactory response and parasitism success by Cotesia vestalis, a parasitoid of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were examined. Here, it was demonstrated that host-plant resistance can strongly influence foraging behavior and parasitism success of the parasitoid. In olfactometer experiments, C. vestalis did not differentiate between crucifer plant types with similar levels of susceptibility or resistance to P. xylostella but showed a strong preference for susceptible compared with partially-resistant host plants. The influence of previous oviposition activity varied with the host-plant type experienced by the parasitoid. In cage experiments, C. vestalis preferred to parasitize P. xylostella larvae on a susceptible plant compared with larvae on a partially resistant host plant when exposed to hosts for 24 h. However, this preference appeared to be transitory, and was not found after 96 h exposure. The present study suggests that combining partial host-plant resistance with biological control by C. vestalis for the control of P. xylostella may in some circumstances be antagonistic and negatively affect parasitism success.     

Influence of fall armyworm previous experience with soybean genotypes on larval feeding behavior

Previous experience on host plants can modify insect feeding behavior. Because insect habituation and induction of preference to host plants are variable across species of plants and insects, it is necessary to investigate each insect-plant interaction to determine whether this phenomenon occurs or not in the system. In this study we investigated the potential occurrence of habituation and induction of preference in fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda to soybean genotypes. Neonate FAW larvae reared on artificial diet were divided into four treatment groups and fed for one generation with either the resistant soybeans PI 227687 or IAC 100 or the susceptible soybeans BRS Valiosa RR or IGRA RA 626 RR. Biological parameters of FAW were recorded. Eggs obtained from FAW of each genotype group were separated, and the newly hatched larvae were fed on the same genotypes experienced by their parents for additional 8 days. FAW larval preference and leaf area consumed were evaluated in choice feeding assays with the four soybean genotypes within a 24-h period. Genotypes PI 227687 and IAC 100 negatively affected FAW development, demonstrating they are FAW-resistant. FAW larvae exposed to both resistant genotypes consumed more foliage of genotype IGRA RA 626 RR in the choice assays, whereas larvae reared on both susceptible genotypes did not show any preference. From our preliminary study, FAW does not show habituation and induction of preference toward the experienced soybean genotypes. The importance of our findings to host plant resistance and insect-plant biology fields is discussed.     

Oviposition,larval preference,and larval performance in two polyphagous species: does the larva know best?

It is expected that females preferentially oviposit on plant hosts that allow for optimal larval performance. However, this expectation contradicts empirical evidence where adults do not always choose the best host for their descendants. Recent evidence suggests that females’ host selection depends on the number of potential hosts. Females from oligophagous species seem to be able to choose an appropriate host in terms of larval performance, whereas in polyphagous species, adult oviposition preference is not related with larval performance. This suggests that larvae in polyphagous species could be taking a more active role in host selection than their mothers. Here, we evaluated the oviposition preference and the larval preference and performance of two polyphagous species of economic importance, Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Cuculliinae) and Peridroma saucia (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), on eight species of cultivated plants. In laboratory and greenhouse choice assays, we tested adult preference for oviposition and larval preference at 1 and 24 h. Larval performance was measured in terms of survival to adulthood, length of larval period, and pupal weight. We found that both adult females and larvae actively choose their hosts and that the larval preference toward the hosts is related to the females’ preference in both herbivore species. However, the females and larvae did not preferentially select the host with the best larval performance, indicating that larval performance is not related to female or larval preference and that other selective pressures are influencing the choice of the host plant in these two species.     

Extinction-colonization dynamics and host-plant choice in butterfly metapopulations

Species living in highly fragmented landscapes often occur as metapopulations with frequent population turnover. Turnover rate is known to depend on ecological factors, such as population size and connectivity, but it may also be influenced by the phenotypic and genotypic composition of populations. The Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) in Finland uses two host-plant species that vary in their relative abundances among distinct habitat patches (dry meadows) in a large network of approximately 1,700 patches. We found no effect of host species use on local extinction. In contrast, population establishment was strongly influenced by the match between the host species composition of an empty habitat patch and the relative host use by larvae in previous years in the habitat patches that were well connected to the target patch. This "colonization effect" could be due to spatially variable plant acceptability or resistance or to spatially variable insect oviposition preference or larval performance. We show that spatial variation in adult oviposition preference occurs at the relevant spatial scale and that the other possible causes of the colonization effect can be discounted. We conclude that the colonization effect is generated by host preference influencing the movement patterns of ovipositing females. Migrant females with dissimilar host preferences have different perceptions of relative patch quality, which influences their likelihood of colonizing patches with particular host composition.     

Food preference and performance of the larvae of a specialist herbivore: variation among and within host-plant populations

Specialist herbivores are suggested to be unaffected by or attracted to the defense compounds of their host-plants, and can even prefer higher levels of certain chemicals. Abrostola asclepiadis is a specialist herbivore whose larvae feed on the leaves of Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, which contains toxic alkaloids and is unpalatable to most generalist herbivores. The food choice, leaf consumption and growth of A. asclepiadis larvae were studied to determine whether there is variation among and within host-plant populations in their suitability for this specialist herbivore. There was significant variation in food preference and leaf consumption among host-plant populations, but no differences were found in larval growth and feeding on different host-plant populations. A. asclepiadis larvae preferred host-plant populations with higher alkaloid concentrations, but did not consume more leaf material from plants originating from such populations in a no-choice experiment. There was also some variation in food preference of larvae among host-plant individuals belonging to the same population, suggesting that there was variability in leaf chemistry also within populations. Such variation in larval preference among host-plant genotypes and populations may create potential for coevolutionary dynamics in a spatial mosaic.     

The phylogenetics and biochemistry of host-plant specialization in Melitaeine butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Butterflies in the tribe Melitaeini (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) are known to utilize host plants belonging to 16 families, although most host-plant records are from four families. Of the 16 host-plant families, 12 produce secondary plant metabolites called iridoids. Earlier studies have shown that larvae of several melitaeine species use iridoids as feeding stimulants and sequester these compounds for larval defense. I investigate the evolutionary history of host-plant use in the tribe Melitaeini by testing a recent phylogenetic hypothesis of 65 species representing the four major species groups of the tribe. By simple character optimization of host-plant families and presence/absence of iridoids in the host plants, I find that plant chemistry is a more conservative trait than plant taxonomy. The ancestral host plant(s) of the entire tribe most likely contained iridoids and were likely to be in the plant family Plantaginaceae. A major host shift from plants containing iridoids to plants not containing iridoids has happened three times independently. The results show that the evolution of host-plant use in melitaeines has been (and still is) a dynamic process when considering plant taxonomy, but is relatively stable when considering host-plant chemistry.     

多食性斑潜蝇对寄主植物的选择

综述了有关斑潜蝇对寄主植物选择的研究进展。斑潜蝇对寄主植物的选择表现为对植物组织的选择、对植物不同部位叶片的选择、对同种植物不同品种的选择、对不同寄主植物的选择四个方面。斑潜蝇对寄主植物的选择主要受叶表面的物理性质、植物叶的化学物质成分、成长经历等因素的影响。阐述了多食性斑潜蝇寄主植物范围扩大的原因。     

Host plant use in sympatric closely related flea beetles

Studies on strategies of host plant use in sympatric-related species are significant to the theory of sympatric speciation. Altica fragariae Nakane and Altica koreana Ogloblin are sympatric closely related flea beetles found in Beijing, northern China. All their recorded host plants are in the subfamily Rosoideae of the Rosaceae, so we regard them as a model system to study interactions between herbivorous insects and plant-insect co-evolution. We conducted a set of experiments on the host preference and performance of these flea beetles to study whether these closely related species have the ability to use sympatric novel host plants and whether monophagous and oligophagous flea beetles use the same strategy in host plant use. Oviposition preference experiments showed that A. koreana, a monophagous flea beetle, displayed high host fidelity. However, A. fragariae, which is oligophagous, often made "oviposition mistakes," ovipositing on nonhost plants such as Potentilla chinensis, the host plant of A. koreana, although normal host plants were preferred over novel ones. Larval performance studies suggested that A. fragariae was able to develop successfully on P. chinensis. Feeding experiences of larvae had no effect on feeding preference, oviposition preference, and fecundity of adults. However, females were impaired in their reproductive ability when fed on nonhost plants. Therefore, A. fragariae finished their development of larval stages on P. chinensis and came back to their primary host plant, Duchesnea indica, for feeding and reproduction after eclosion.     

Host preference of plant genotypes is altered by intraspecific competition in a phytophagous insect

Variation among aphid genotypes leads them to preferentially colonize different host-plant genotypes. In a natural community, different genotypes within a species are expected to coexist on a single host plant, and these aphids can interact, potentially, altering host-plant preferences. Using a model aphid (Sitobion avenae) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) system, we compared aphid preference and performance in one- or two-genotype colonies in pots with genetically diverse host plants (6 genotypes) or genetically uniform host plants (1 genotype per pot). Aphid host preference was shown to differ when a second aphid genotype was present, with one aphid genotype exhibiting a preference change due to the genotypic identity of the second aphid. The population growth rate of the aphids was not influenced by the competitor, and thus, we conclude that these effects are due to aphid distribution (preference) rather than effects through performance. Our work demonstrates that within a complex ecological community, an individual’s behavior can be influenced by interactions with other genotypes within the same species, as well as interactions with genotypes of other species.     

Genetic interactions influence host preference and performance in a plant-insect system

Phytophagous insects generally feed on a restricted range of host plants, using a number of different sensory and behavioural mechanisms to locate and recognize their host plants. Phloem-feeding aphids have been shown to exhibit genetic variation for host preference of different plant species and genetic variation within a plant species can also have an effect on aphid preference and acceptance. It is known that genotypic interactions between barley genotypes and Sitobion avenae aphid genotypes influence aphid fitness, but it is unknown if these different aphid genotypes exhibit active host choice (preference) for the different barley genotypes. Active host choice by aphid genotypes for particular plant genotypes would lead to assortative association (non-random association) between the different aphid and plant genotypes. The performance of each aphid genotype on the plant genotypes also has the ability to enhance these interactions, especially if the aphid genotypes choose the plant genotype that also infers the greatest fitness. In this study, we demonstrate that different aphid genotypes exhibit differential preference and performance for different barley genotypes. Three out of four aphid genotypes exhibited preference for (or against) particular barley genotypes that were not concordant with differences in their reproductive rate on the specific barley genotype. This suggests active host choice of aphids is the primary mechanism for the observed pattern of non-random associations between aphid and barley genotypes. In a community context, such genetic associations between the aphids and barley can lead to population-level changes within the aphid species. These interactions may also have evolutionary effects on the surrounding interacting community, especially in ecosystems of limited species and genetic diversity.     

Interaction between relative humidity and resistance to Dasineura tetensi in blackcurrant

1 Infestation by the blackcurrant leaf midge Dasineura tetensi and galling incidence on a susceptible (cv. ‘Öjebyn’) and a moderately resistant (cv. ‘Storklas’) blackcurrant genotype was studied in the field for two midge generations in the same growing season. On the resistant genotype gall initiation is delayed. 2 The relation between infestation and galling incidence showed considerable variation between the two generations. Galling symptoms produced by the second midge generation were weak on the resistant as compared with the susceptible blackcurrant. 3 Because larval development of that generation coincided with a period of dry and warm weather, it is possible that larvae on the resistant genotype suffered desiccation to a greater extent than larvae on the susceptible genotype where gall development was stronger. 4 The possible interaction of relative humidity and expression of resistance was investigated in controlled environment experiments. The resistant ‘Storklas’ and a susceptible (‘7801–31’) currant genotype were studied at two constant relative humidities, 30 and 70%. 5 Larvae of D. tetensi suffered from higher mortality and reduced growth rate on both genotypes in the low humidity environment. 6 There was also a significant plant genotype by humidity interaction on larval performance; no galls were produced and no larvae completed development on the resistant currant at low humidity. 7 There was a trend for a positive correlation between larval length and larval density on a plant at low humidity but not at high humidity.     

Cannibalistic Behavior and Functional Response in Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Chrysomya albiceps is a facultative predator and cannibal species during the larval stage. Very little is known about cannibalism and prey size preference, especially in blowflies. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of prey size and larval density on cannibalism by third-instar larvae of C. albiceps under laboratory conditions. Our results indicate that no cannibalism occurs by third-instar larvae on first- and second-instar larvae, but third-instar larvae do eat second-instar larvae. The functional response on second-instar larvae is consistent with Holling type II. The consequences of consuming second-, compared to first- or third-, instar larvae as well as the implications of cannibalism for the population dynamics of C. albiceps are discussed.     

The influence of host plant variation and intraspecific competition on oviposition preference and offspring performance in the host races of Eurosta solidaginis

1. A series of experiments was conducted to measure the impact of plant genotype, plant growth rate, and intraspecific competition on the oviposition preference and offspring performance of the host races of Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae), a fly that forms galls on Solidago altissima and Solidago gigantea (Asteraceae). Previous research has shown that both host races prefer to oviposit on their own host plant where survival is much higher than on the alternate host plant. In this study, neither host race showed any relationship between oviposition preference and offspring performance in choosing among plants of their natal host species. 2. The larval survival of both host races differed among plant genotypes when each host race oviposited on its natal host species. In one experiment, altissima host race females showed a preference among plant genotypes that was not correlated with offspring performance on those genotypes. In all other experiments, neither the altissima nor gigantea host race demonstrated a preference for specific host plant genotypes. 3. Eurosta solidaginis had a preference for ovipositing on rapidly growing ramets in all experiments, however larval survival was not correlated with ramet growth rate at the time of oviposition. 4. Eurosta solidaginis suffered high mortality from intraspecific competition in the early larval stage. There was little evidence, however, that females avoided ovipositing on ramets that had been attacked previously. This led to an aggregated distribution of eggs among ramets and strong intraspecific competition. 5. There was no interaction among plant genotype, plant growth rate, or intraspecific competition in determining oviposition preference or offspring performance.     

Ecological monophagy in Tasmanian Graphium macleayanum moggana with evolutionary reflections of ancient angiosperm hosts

Local host plant specialization in an insect herbivore may be caused by numerous factors, including host-specific natural enemy pressures or a local lack of suitable host-plant choices that are available elsewhere in its range. Such local specialization or ＂ecological monophagy＇, for whatever reason, may reflect reduced ability to behaviourally accept or physiologically utilize other allopatric hosts that are naturally used elsewhere by the species. We tested this feeding specialization hypothesis using the Tasmanian subspecies of Macleay＇s swallowtail butterfly, Graphium macleayanum moggana （Papilionidae）, which uses only a single host-plant species, Antherosperma moschatum （southern sassafras, of the Monlmiaceae）. Further north, this same butterfly species （G. m. macleayanum） uses at least 13 host-plant species from seven genera and four families （Lauraceae, Rutaceae, Winteraceae, and Monlmiaceae）. Our larval feeding assays with G. m. moggana from Tasmania showed that certain Magnoliaceae and Lauraceae could support some larval growth to pupation. However, such growth was slower and survival was lower than observed on their normal southern sassafras host （Monimiaceae）. We also found that toxicity of particular plant species varied tremendously within plant families （for both the Magnoliceae and the Monlmiaceae）.     

Role of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 delta endotoxin binding in determining potency during lepidopteran larval development

Five economically important crop pests, Manduca sexta, Pieris brassicae, Mamestra brassicae, Spodoptera exigua, and Agrotis ipsilon, were tested at two stages of larval development for susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins Cry1Ac, Cry1Ca, Cry1J, and Cry1Ba. Bioassay results for M. sexta showed that resistance to all four Cry toxins increased from the neonate stage to the third-instar stage; the increase in resistance was most dramatic for Cry1Ac, the potency of which decreased 37-fold. More subtle increases in resistance during larval development were seen in M. brassicae for Cry1Ca and in P. brassicae for Cry1Ac and Cry1J. By contrast, the sensitivity of S. exigua did not change during development. At both larval stages, A. ipsilon was resistant to all four toxins. Because aminopeptidase N (APN) is a putative Cry1 toxin binding protein, APN activity was measured in neonate and third-instar brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). With the exception of S. exigua, APN activity was found to be significantly lower in neonates than in third-instar larvae and thus inversely correlated with increased resistance during larval development. The binding characteristics of iodinated Cry1 toxins were determined for neonate and third-instar BBMV. In M. sexta, the increased resistance to Cry1Ac and Cry1Ba during larval development was positively correlated with fewer binding sites in third-instar BBMV than in neonate BBMV. The other species-instar-toxin combinations did not reveal positive correlations between potency and binding characteristics. The correlation between binding and potency was inconsistent for the species-instar-toxin combinations used in this study, reaffirming the complex mode of action of Cry1 toxins.     

Host selection by the pine processionary moth enhances larval performance: An experiment

The development of a phytophagous insect depends on the nutritional characteristics of plants on which it feeds. Offspring from different females, however, may vary in their ability to develop in different host species and therefore females should place their eggs on host plants that result in the highest performance for the insect offspring. Causes underlying the predicted relationships between host selection and offspring performance may be: (1) a genetic association between larval ability to exploit particular hosts and the female insect's host preference; and (2) phenotypic plasticity of larvae that may be due to (a) maternal effects (e.g. differential investment in eggs) or (b) diet. In this work, we analyse the performance (i.e. hatching success and larval size and mortality) of the pine processionary (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) caterpillar developing in Aleppo (Pinus halepensis) or maritime (Pinus pinaster) pines. Larvae of this moth species do not move from the individual pine selected by the mother for oviposition. By means of cross-fostering experiments of eggs batches and silk nests of larvae between these two pine species, we explored whether phenotypic plasticity of offspring traits or genetic correlations between mother and offspring traits account for variation in developmental characteristics of caterpillars. Our results showed that females preferentially selected Aleppo pine for oviposition. Moreover, the offspring had the highest probability of survival and reached a larger body size in this pine species independently of whether or not batches were experimentally cross-fostered. Notably, the interaction between identity of donor and receiver pine species of larvae nests explained a significant proportion of variance of larval size and mortality, suggesting a role of diet-induced phenotypic plasticity of the hatchlings. These results suggest that both female selection of the more appropriate pine species and phenotypic plasticity of larva explain the performance of pine processionary caterpillars.