A general model for host plant selection in phytophagous insects
Data(s) |
2002
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Resumo |
We develop a general theoretical framework for exploring the host plant selection behaviour of herbivorous insects. This model can be used to address a number of questions, including the evolution of specialists, generalists, preference hierarchies, and learning. We use our model to: (i) demonstrate the consequences of the extent to which the reproductive success of a foraging female is limited by the rate at which they find host plants (host limitation) or the number of eggs they carry (egg limitation); (ii) emphasize the different consequences of variation in behaviour before and after landing on (locating) a host (termed pre- and post-alighting, respectively); (iii) show that, in contrast to previous predictions, learning can be favoured in post-alighting behaviour--in particular, individuals can be selected to concentrate oviposition on an abundant low-quality host, whilst ignoring a rare higher-quality host; (iv) emphasize the importance of interactions between mechanisms in favouring specialization or learning. |
Identificador | |
Publicador |
Academic Press |
Relação |
DOI:10.1006/jtbi.2001.2475 West, S.A. & Cunningham, J.P. (2002) A general model for host plant selection in phytophagous insects. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 214(3), pp. 499-513. |
Fonte |
School of Earth, Environmental & Biological Sciences; Science & Engineering Faculty |
Palavras-Chave | #060201 Behavioural Ecology |
Tipo |
Journal Article |