Changes in morphological traits of the cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) associated with the use of different host plants

Abstract

AbstractThe genetic and morphological differentiation of insect populations in relation to the use of different host plants is an important phenomenon that predates ecological specialisation and speciation in sympatric conditions. In this study, we describe the morphological variation of populations of Brevicoryne brassicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) associated with two host species, Brassica oleracea and Brassica campestris, which occur sympatrically in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The study is aimed at obtaining evidence regarding phenotypic differentiation induced by, or associated with, the use of distinct but closely related host species. Seven morphological characters were measured in 696 wingless aphids collected from plants of the two host species at four localities. Morphological variation was summarised through principal components analysis (PCA). Sixty‐two percent of morphological variation was explained by the first two PCs. The first component (PC1) was related to the general size of appendages, and PC2 was interpreted as the relationship between body size (body and leg size) and antenna length. Aphids growing on B. campestris were bigger than those collected from B. oleraceae. Significant differences between hosts were detected for PC1, whereas a significant effect of locality, host, and the interaction locality × host was detected for PC2. These results indicate that the average phenotype of B. brassicae individuals inhabiting different host‐plant species differs as a consequence of the contrasting feeding environments the host species provide.