Behavioural response to an unsuitable host plant in the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.)

Folia Biol (Krakow). 2003;51(1-2):129-31.

Abstract

To assess local differentiation in host preference, a two-choice test was performed on first-instar gypsy moth larvae originating from an oak and locust-tree forest. More than 40 generations feeding on locust-tree leaves, rich in alkaloids, led to non-efficient discrimination of host leaves in larvae from a locust-tree forest. Possible causes of observed population differences are discussed in the present paper.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acacia / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Larva
  • Moths*
  • Plants, Edible*
  • Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids / pharmacology
  • Quercus / chemistry

Substances

  • Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids