Evolutionary ecology of the relationship between oviposition preference and performance of offspring in phytophagous insects

Abstract

The relationship between oviposition preference and growth, survival, and reproduction of offspring is the crux of the problem in the evolution of host associations between phytophagous insects and plants. Observed relationships between oviposition preference and performance of offspring range from good to poor. At least four hypotheses have been suggested to explain observed use of particular host plants that may not result in the fastest growth rates or greatest pupal masses: time, patch dynamics, parasite versus grazer lifestyles, and enemy-free space. Our current understanding of these relationships, however, is hampered by an almost complete lack of data on how preference and performance are related genetically. These data are needed to understand the origins of covariance between preference and performance and constraints on the evolution of host associations.

Attraction of Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae to Volatiles from Herbivore-Damaged Maize Seedlings

“…As semiochemicals, induced volatiles may alter the recruitment of herbivores to the damaged host plant, not only by providing chemical cues for host plant location, but also information on the damage status of the host plant . Behavioral responses of foraging lepidopterans to these cues have been examined primarily in adults because selection of an appropriate host plant for offspring is largely a consequence of female oviposition preferences rather than the consumer (caterpillar) itself (Thompson, 1988). Several species of noctuid moths preferentially oviposit on undamaged rather than damaged plants in response to volatile cues, presumably thus limiting exposure of their offspring to risks of higher predation, parasitism, and competition from older larvae, and performance costs incurred with induced plant defenses (Landolt, 1993;Anderson and Alborn, 1999;De Moraes et al, 2001).…”

Influence of different tropical fruits on biological and behavioral aspects of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Tephritidae)

“…In the absence of a favorite host, females can oviposit in less preferred hosts (Wiklund 1981) and a polyphagous species such as C. capitata can also oviposit in usually no-host plants (Aluja & Mangan 2008). The choice of a potential host is determined also by the presence of competitors or natural enemies and by female physiology (Thompson 1988;Jaenike 1990), among other factors. Host plant condition has been recognized as a key factor in controlling agricultural pests.…”

“…Os frutos testados foram: acerola tritional resources selected by adult females (Renwick 1989). Several studies show the controversial and numerous factors influencing oviposition behavior in insects (Jaenike 1990;Barron 2001;Leather 2002;Scheirs 2002), but the main hypothesis for behavior evolution is that females choose hosts that are able to maximize offspring survival and development, in a positive correlation between oviposition preference and larvae performance (Thompson 1988;Thompson & Pellmyr 1991). In this context, a host plant must be able to allow the specimen to complete its normal development in nature (Hanson 1983).…”

“…Thus, the introduction of a new host plant in the "menu" of an insect is determined both by female oviposition behavior and immature survival and development (Barron 2001). Literature data show that although females of holometabolous insects can oviposit in several different hosts, they present a hierarchical behavior by choosing some hosts more often than others (Thompson 1988). In the absence of a favorite host, females can oviposit in less preferred hosts (Wiklund 1981) and a polyphagous species such as C. capitata can also oviposit in usually no-host plants (Aluja & Mangan 2008).…”

Corymbia Species and Hybrids: Chemical and Physical Foliar Attributes and Implications for Herbivory

“…The comparison of herbivore preference and performance on parental plants with that on hybrids can provide insights into the inheritance of potential resistance mechanisms (O'Reilly-Wapstra et al 2005), and host-shift mechanisms that may in turn explain the distribution of insect species among plants (Thompson 1988). There are four generally hypothesized outcomes expressed in hybrids with respect to herbivory: hybrid susceptibility (arising either through dominance to a susceptible parent, or a hybrid that is more susceptible to herbivory than either parent); hybrid resistance (arising either through dominance to a resistant parent, or a hybrid that is more resistant than either parent); an additive pattern, whereby hybrid traits are intermediate between the two parental types; or no difference between hybrids and parental taxa (Fritz et al 1999).…”