Looks are important: parasitic assemblages of agromyzid leafminers (Diptera) in relation to mine shape and contrast

摘要: Summary 1. We test the hypothesis that leaf mine appearance can affect risk of leafminers being discovered by parasitoids, and therefore influence parasitic assemblages, using a comparative study complexes associated with 28 agromyzid species in Central Argentina. Analyses were based on size, structure (defined as number host-range categories) impact (percentage parasitism) leafminers. Mine was defined terms shape (linear, linear-blotch, blotch) colour (high or low contrast lamina). 2. Irrespective involved, significant differences found parasitoid complexes: specialists more abundant generalists rarer than expected blotch cryptically coloured mines. 3. There no average richness parasitism rates among differently shaped galleries. However, significantly affected assemblage structure, driving generalist influencing specialists. also rates, which highest for linear mines, The existence gradient discovery from mines to most apparent highly contrasting ones supported correlations this specialist parasitoids. 4. Taxonomic composition (analysed through abundance) separated according host shape. An even classification assemblages achieved when combination considered discoverability gradient. 5. Our results suggest despite an ecologically homogeneous resource, their morphology might offer varying degrees refuge against different