Host shift induces changes in mate choice of the seed predator Acanthoscelides obtectus via altered chemical signalling.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms of host shift in phytophagous insects are poorly understood. Among the many proposed processes involved, sexual selection via semiochemicals has recently been suggested. This hypothesizes that sexual communication using pheromones is modified as a result of development on a new host, and such plant-induced phenotypic divergence in mate recognition cues can lead to reproductive isolation between host lines. We tested this hypothesis on Acanthoscelides obtectus, an oligophagous bruchid of Phaseolus vulgaris beans worldwide, which also develops in acceptable non-hosts, such as chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Male sex pheromone blends of the bean, chickpea and chickpea/bean host lines during artificially induced host shifts showed different composition. Bean-reared females did no

SUBMITTER: Vuts J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6235263 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature