Behavioral evolution accompanying host shifts in cactophilic Drosophila larvae.

ABSTRACT: For plant utilizing insects, the shift to a novel host is generally accompanied by a complex set of phenotypic adaptations. Many such adaptations arise in response to differences in plant chemistry, competitive environment, or abiotic conditions. One less well-understood factor in the evolution of phytophagous insects is the selective environment provided by plant shape and volume. Does the physical structure of a new plant host favor certain phenotypes? Here, we use cactophilic Drosophila, which have colonized the necrotic tissues of cacti with dramatically different shapes and volumes, to examine this question. Specifically, we analyzed two behavioral traits in larvae, pupation height, and activity that we predicted might be related to the ability to utilize variably shaped hosts.

SUBMITTER: Coleman JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6065329 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature