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Host plants influence parasitism of forest caterpillars

Author

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  • J. T. Lill

    (University of Missouri–St. Louis
    Washington University, Tyson Research Center)

  • R. J. Marquis

    (University of Missouri–St. Louis)

  • R. E. Ricklefs

    (University of Missouri–St. Louis)

Abstract

Patterns of association between herbivores and host plants have been thought to reflect the quality of plants as food resources1,2 as influenced by plant nutrient composition3, defences4,5, and phenology6. Host-plant-specific enemies, that is, the third trophic level, might also influence the distribution of herbivores across plant species7,8,9,10. However, studies of the evolution of herbivore host range11,12,13,14,15 have generally not examined the third trophic level, leaving unclear the importance of this factor in the evolution of plant–insect herbivore interactions16. Analysis of parasitoid rearings by the Canadian Forest Insect Survey shows that parasitism of particular Lepidoptera species is strongly host-plant-dependent, that the pattern of host-plant dependence varies among species of caterpillars, and that some parasitoid species are themselves specialized with respect to tree species. Host-plant-dependent parasitism suggests the possibility of top-down influence on host plant use. Differences in parasitism among particular caterpillar–host plant combinations could select for specialization of host plant ranges within caterpillar communities. Such specialization would ultimately promote the species diversification of Lepidoptera in temperate forests with respect to escape from enemies.

Suggested Citation

  • J. T. Lill & R. J. Marquis & R. E. Ricklefs, 2002. "Host plants influence parasitism of forest caterpillars," Nature, Nature, vol. 417(6885), pages 170-173, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:417:y:2002:i:6885:d:10.1038_417170a
    DOI: 10.1038/417170a
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    Cited by:

    1. M. Turčáni & J. Patočka & M. Kulfan, 2010. "Which factors explain lepidopteran larvae variance in seasonal guilds on some oaks?," Journal of Forest Science, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 56(2), pages 68-76.
    2. Chaianunporn, Thotsapol & Hovestadt, Thomas, 2012. "Concurrent evolution of random dispersal and habitat niche width in host-parasitoid systems," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 241-250.

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