FITNESS RELATED DIET‐MIXING BY INTRASPECIFIC HOST‐PLANT‐SWITCHING OF SPECIALIST INSECT HERBIVORES

摘要: Generalist insect herbivores may profit by feeding on a mixture of plant species that differ in nutritional quality. Herbivore performance can also be affected intraspecific host variation. However, it is unknown whether conspecific individuals sufficiently to promote diet-mixing behavior specialist herbivores. We experimentally tested this "specialist hypothesis" for caterpillars (Chrysopsyche imparilis, Lasiocampidae) West African savanna. The switched regularly between tree (Combretum fragrans, Combretaceae). To examine switching benefited caterpillar via diet-mixing, the were reared either leaves from several (mixed diet) or single plant. strongest effect was found fecundity, with females mixed diet laying significantly more eggs than sisters receiving single-plant diet. In addition, decreased variability egg size and increased growth second-instar caterpillars. Supplementary food choice experiments conducted assess potential influence lowered quality (induced herbivory) behavior; no such found. By linking host-switching herbivore performance, study provides new information relevance variation herbivorous insects.