Preference and performance linkage of a leaf‐mining moth on different Salicaceae species

Abstract

The relationship between oviposition preference and offspring performance of a leaf-mining moth (Paraleucoptera sinuella) on four Salicaceae species was investigated in 1997 and 1998. We observed the egg distribution pattern on different plant species in the field and carried out oviposition experiments in the laboratory to determine the preference of ovipositing females. We also examined larval survival, pupal mass, and developmental time to compare larval performance on each plant species. Egg density in the field differed significantly among plant species. However, egg density was not correlated exactly with demonstrated oviposition preference. No larvae could develop on two Salix species. This finding indicated that larval survival is the most critical index of larval performance. Larval performance on each plant species was correlated well with oviposition preference that was revealed by a no-choice experiment in the laboratory. However, this correlation was not found in the field. These results indicate that the preference-performance linkage that was observed under laboratory conditions, was not always maintained in the field.

Variability in host plant chemistry: behavioural responses and life-history parameters of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)

“…Cultivated potato varieties have different levels of resistance to beetles that allows us to test the effects of leaf chemistry alone on herbivore performance using only one host plant (for example cf. Nylin & Janz 1993;Kagata & Ohgushi 2001). We reared beetles on potted potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and used three cultivars, one of which was, according to field experiments, less attractive to the beetle than the others (Fasulati pers.…”

Greater impact of host plant species on oviposition of a willow leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora Laicharting (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) during the adult stage than in developing larval stage

“…If so, the alternative hypothesis that this population does not prefer S. eriocarpa as a host for oviposition should be considered. In some studies, the number of eggs laid was used as a measure of host preference rather than fecundity (i.e., adult performance) (see, e.g., Wiklund 1975;Roininen and Tahvanainen 1989;Denno et al 1990;Kagata and Ohgushi 2001). S. eriocarpa may be lacking an oviposition stimulant for female adults of this population.…”

Temporal variability of top‐down forces and their role in host choice evolution of phytophagous arthropods

“…Still, there was a net benefit over the three years for individuals living on novel hosts. Finally, Kagata and Ohgushi (2001) observed large inter‐year variation in parasitism rates of the leaf‐mining moth Paraleucoptera sinuella Reutti (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae) among two host plant species. There was no difference in larval parasitism between Populus sieboldii Miquel and Salix miyabeana Seemen during the first field season, while parasitism was higher on S. miyabeana during the second season.…”