Chemical footprints mediate habitat selection in co-occurring aphids.

ABSTRACT: Habitat selection is a critical process that shapes the spatial distribution of species at local and regional scales. The mechanisms underlying habitat preference rely on environmental factors, species traits, and ecological interactions with other species. Here, we examined spatial segregation between two co-occurring aphid species (Rhopalosiphum maidis and R. padi) on wheat plants. We hypothesized that spatial segregation between these aphid species was mediated by aphid cuticular compounds left as chemical "footprints" on plant surfaces. Combining field and laboratory experiments, we first examined how plant microsites alter fitness by measuring the fecundity of each species. Next, we tested whether intra- and interspecific pre-inhabitation modified habitat selection in bo

SUBMITTER: Porras MF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9735235 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature