ISSN:
1570-7458
Keywords:
evolution
;
monophagy
;
polyphagy
;
host range
;
Vespidae
;
caterpillars
;
predation
;
Mischocyttarus flavitarsus
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The narrow host range of insect herbivores is noted, and some of the reasons why specificity has evolved are reviewed. Works indicating the need for new approaches are pointed out including the possibility that generalist predators provide a suitable pressure. Experiments to test the hypothesis that generalists are more vulnerable than specialists to predators are described. They involved a vespid wasp and over thirty species pairs of caterpillars, matched for size and density. Overall, generalists were taken more readily than specialists: some but not all reasons could be detected. The results are discussed in ecological and evolutionary terms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00188246
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