Lack of strong induced or maternal effects in tussock moths (Orgyia vetusta) on bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus)

摘要: Both induced and maternal effects may create delayed negative feedback on the population growth of herbivorous insects. I tested for these in a chronically dense tussock moths (Orgyia vetusta) feeding bush lupines (Lupinus arboreus). Experimental bushes received different realistic levels defoliation by preceding year, experimental moth larvae came from mothers that had experienced either high or low crowding as previous year. Weight female at pupation was not affected prior foliar damage, showed only weak (12%) effect crowding. Rates early larval disappearance, aerial dispersal (“ballooning”) other causes, were unaffected damage crowding, very except when placed dead bushes. These results help to explain why has maintained densities study site >10 years.