Oviposition preferences of Maculinea alcon as influenced by aphid (Aphis gentianae) and fungal (Puccinia gentianae) infestation of larval host plants

摘要: 1. The influence of infestation the larval host plant Gentiana cruciata on egg-laying preferences xerophilous ecotype Alcon Blue butterfly (Maculinea alcon) was studied in a semi-dry grassland area (Aggtelek Karst Region, Northern Hungary). 2. We examined whether oviposition patterns females differed when G. stems were uninfested compared with they infested by an aphid (Aphis gentianae) or rust (Puccinia species. 3. Females laid more than 90% their eggs fertile, stems, although these comprised only ∼ 50% total available. Stems aphids similar to ones properties that had strong correlation egg numbers, and yet there significantly fewer intact ones. 4. Females never parts aphids, presence Lasius paralienus ants, which have mutualistic interaction Aphis gentianae, did not increase repulsive effect aphids. Infection Puccinia behaviour females, even though flowers buds exhibited delayed development. 5. Aphid can through both direct indirect effects. The directly excluded oviposition, but our data also indicated possibility infestation. no at last counting, prior it, those infested.