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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Native or nonnative host plants: What is better for a specialist moth?

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Author(s):
Trigo, Jose Roberto [1] ; Martins, Carlos H. Z. [1] ; Cunha, Beatriz P. [2] ; Solferini, Vera N. [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Lab Ecol Quim, Inst Biol, Caixa Postal 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Genet Evolucao & Bioagentes, Inst Biol, Caixa Postal 6109, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Biological Invasions; v. 20, n. 4, p. 849-860, APR 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The enemy release hypothesis (ERH) predicts that the lack of natural enemies, such as herbivores, contributes to the success of nonnative plants as colonizers. Larvae of the Neotropical specialist moth Utetheisa ornatrix (Erebidae: Arctiinae) can feed on unripe seeds and leaves of both native and nonnative Crotalaria species (Fabaceae). Despite some species being able to eat nonnative plants, such behavior can impair the herbivore, as they are not adapted to the alien plant, and still contribute to the success of the nonnative species via enemy release. We tested the performance of the moth from hatching to adulthood fed on two native (C. micans and C. paulina) and two nonnative (C. pallida, C. juncea) host plants. Utetheisa ornatrix performed better (lower development time, heavier pupae and more eggs) on the native host plants than in the nonnative. However, larva performance in nonnative C. pallida was similar to that in the native host plants. Using the larval weight 7 days after hatching from the eggs as a proxy for performance in twelve Crotalaria species (five Neotropical natives, four nonnatives from Afrotropical region, and three nonnatives from India), we found similar results. Crotalaria nutritional compounds, the defensive pyrrolizidine alkaloids and Crotalaria phylogeny did not explain moth performance. Our results give some support to the ERH. The good moth performance in nonnative C. pallida may be related to its high availability as host plant for U. ornatrix, and its longer time since their introduction in Neotropics which would provide opportunity for the moth to adapt. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/17708-0 - Chemical defense in plants and insects in neotropical environments
Grantee:Jose Roberto Trigo
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants