Abstract
AbstractAltica carduorum Guer. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) populations aggregate on vigorously growing stands of its host, the thistle Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. (Asteraceae). The beetle needs contact to recognize a Cirsium species and biting to distinguish its host C. arvense. Feeding or mechanical damage on C. arvense, but not other Cirsium species, aggregates the beetles. Also feces from feeding on C. arvense, but not other Cirsium species, aggregates the opposite sex. Adults also aggregate on larval feces. We suggest that initial host location in the spring depends on random encounter by beetles overwintering in a stand of C. arvense. The beetles commonly make short flights after feeding and either land on another C. arvense plant, which establishes a secondary aggregation centre, or return to the original one. In this manner beetles released on a stand of C. arvense in China spread a radius of 600 m in a year, but those released 35 m away from their host failed to find it. Altica carduorum will develop on any Cirsium species to which it is confined, but is monophagous in the field because host finding is dependent on aggregation to wound and feces substances that are specific to C. arvense.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.