Results
Title

Different host plant utilization ability of two closely related Melitaea species (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Authors

TÓTH, JÁNOS P.; BERECZKI, JUDIT; VÉGVARI, ZSOLT; JUHÁSZ, EDIT; VARGA, ZOLTÁN

Abstract

In natural system plant-insect interaction are influenced by several factors. For instance plants could be characterized by the presence of defensive chemicals and herbivores are forced to evolve resistance against them. There are several studies on induced plant defence, which indicate it can mediate competition between herbivorous insects, shaping host plant choice and community structure. Therefore, realized host plant use can be much narrower than the potential one. A laboratory experiment was done to clear up the possible difference in host plant utilization ability of Melitaea phoebe and Melitaea ornata, especially their utilization of Cirsium pannonicum. The caterpillars were reared individually on three different species of host plant (Ci. pannonicum, Ci. arvense and Centaurea scabiosa). The weights of the larvae were measured every second day and the data analysed using ANOVA. M. phoebe caterpillars developed well and all pupated when fed on Cirsium arvense and Centaurea scabiosa, whereas those fed on Cirsium pannonicum developed poorly and 10% died. In contrast, M. ornata developed well on Ci. pannonicum and the other two host plants. Despite this M. ornata was only found on Ci. pannonicum in Hungary.

Subjects

LEPIDOPTERA; NYMPHALIDAE; CIRSIUM; HERBIVORES; FLORIVORES

Publication

European Journal of Entomology, 2015, Vol 112, Issue 1, p120

ISSN

1210-5759

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.14411/eje.2015.001