Specialist pollinating seed predator exhibits oviposition strategy consistent with optimal oviposition theory

Abstract

The outcome of mutualistic interactions depends on the costs and benefits for each of the partners, which have been shown to be both context‐ and species‐dependent. This phenomenon is seen in the interactions between plants in the genus Silene and moths in the genus Hadena. In this study, the interaction between native North American species Silene stellata and Hadena ectypa is examined to understand the factors that influence female H. ectypa oviposition decisions, a behaviour that influences both herbivore and plant fitness. While most studies focus on oviposition preference between different host plant species, here it is shown that for a specialist pollinating seed predator, oviposition preference occurs within a host species (and even within a plant) based upon individual flower age and pollination status. Female H. ectypa preferentially visited and oviposited on young flowers and flowers that were unpollinated. Larvae also preferred to feed on young fruits. Female H. ectypa oviposition choice was consistent with optimal oviposition theory, as oviposition preference was correlated with larval feeding preference and not just adult visitation preference.

Sex‐biased oviposition by a nursery pollinator on a gynodioecious host plant: Implications for breeding system evolution and evolution of mutualism

“…Female moths should experience selection on oviposition preferences such that they prefer to lay eggs in locations that will maximize survival and growth of their offspring (Castillo, Kula, Fenster, Fenster, & Dudash, ). Because of the recent establishment of the S. vulgaris–H.…”

InvasiveSilene latifoliaMay Benefit from a Native Pollinating Seed Predator,Hadena ectypa, in North America

“…The following method has also been used to demonstrate choice between young and old ovaries of S. stellata (N) by H. ectypa (Castillo et al 2013). Hadena ectypa eggs were collected from naturally occurring S. stellata (N) flowers at two times during the experiment (July 15-17 and August 4-6).…”

Oviposition of the Fir Sawyer Beetle (Monochamus urussovi Fisch.) on the Tree Stem: Analysis Using Models of Random Point Fields

“…Реакция на каждый из этих факторов может отражаться в выборе места для откладки яиц, устройстве укрытий, обеспечении запаса кор-ма для личинок (Randlkofer et al, 2007;Sadek et al, 2010;Павлов, 2011;Castillo et al, 2013). (Исаев и др., 1988;Janz, 2002;Leyva et al, 2003;Holland et al, 2004;Horn, Holland, 2010;Castillo et al, 2013).…”

“…(Исаев и др., 1988;Janz, 2002;Leyva et al, 2003;Holland et al, 2004;Horn, Holland, 2010;Castillo et al, 2013).…”

“…Статистические исследования для обна-ружения проявлений конкуренции за корм чаще всего проводятся в случаях, когда на-секомые заселяют дискретный субстрат, например, венчики цветов, плоды, семена (Holland et al, 2004;Paukku, Kotiaho, 2008;Horn, Holland, 2010;Castillo et al, 2013). Ко-личественное изучение разделения общего кормового ресурса между многими особями встречается реже.…”