Feeding on an exotic host plant enhances plasma levels of phenoloxidase by modulating feeding efficiency in a specialist insect herbivore.

ABSTRACT: Background: Exotic plant species represent a novel resource for invertebrates and many herbivorous insects have incorporated exotic plants into their diet. Using a new host plant can have physiological repercussions for these herbivores that may be beneficial or detrimental. In this study, we compared how using an exotic versus native host plant affected the immune system response and feeding efficiency of a specialist lepidopteran, the common buckeye (Junonia coenia: Nymphalidae, Hübner 1822). Materials and Methods: In a lab experiment, larvae were reared on either the exotic host plant, Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), or the native host plant, Mimulus guttatus (Phrymaceae). Beginning at second instar feeding efficiency data were collected e

SUBMITTER: Mo C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9998540 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature