Host shifts and signal divergence: mating signals covary with host use in a complex of specialized plant‐feeding insects

摘要: A combination of divergent natural and sexual selection is a powerful cause speciation. This conjunction evolutionary forces may often occur when divergence initiated by ecological differences between populations because local adaptation to new resources can lead changes in selection. The hypothesis that resource use contribute the evolution reproductive isolation altering nature predicts that: (1) traits, such as signals preferences, are an important source species using different resources; (2) there identifiable sources on traits differ (3) vary larger extent than same at localities. Testing these predictions requires group closely-related or specialize for which involved mate choice known. Enchenopa binotata complex treehoppers (Hemiptera: Membracidae) host plant specialists speciation associated with shifts novel plants. Mating this preceded exchange vibrational transmitted through stems, signal have been identified. In E. complex, previous work has supported first two predictions: recognition alter both trait values favoured response present study, we tested last prediction conducting large-scale study mating variation within 11 complex. We find strongly recognition. result supports hosts led part their influence communication systems. © 2010 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2010, 99, 60–72.