Group size in a gregarious tortoise beetle : patterns of oviposition vs. larval behaviour

摘要: In laboratory and garden experiments, we tested for the existence of adaptive patterns oviposition larval behaviour regarding group size in gregarious tortoise beetle Chelymorpha varians Blanchard (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) on its host plant Calystegia sepium L. (Convolvulaceae). Specifically, addressed following questions: (i) Which is more frequent egg cluster size? (ii) Does fully predict (iii) Are newborn larvae attracted or repelled to conspecific groupings? (iv) associated with enhanced development adult mass? We found that mean was 21.4 eggs. Egg hatch time significantly shorter larger clusters. A regression analysis against showed non-significant results. Thus, original did not totally determine size. The 17.1. Choice tests an experimental arena clearly preferred leaves a rather than moistened papers, small conspecifics (four per leaf) over groups (12 20 larvae). Empty intermediate level preference. Development performance (adult mass) were affected by Larvae smallest (one took four days attain adulthood Adult C. reared 12-larvae those at other densities. Comparison across groups, excluding group, tendency greater final mass slower developmental rate.