Host plant variation in mortality of the leaf‐folding sawfly on the arroyo willow

Abstract

Abstract. 1. We tested the hypothesis that survival and sources of mortality of the leaf‐folding sawfly (Phyllocolpa sp.) varied significantly among host plants of the arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis Bent ham).2. Survival of the leaf folder differed among field and potted willows in a common environment in two of three cases, and sources of mortality differed among plants in four of five cases.3. Egg mortality differed among field plants but not among the potted willow plants.4. Larval mortality and parasitism differed among field and potted willows in 2 years, and appeared to be compensatory mortality sources.5. Leaf folder density among plants was not generally correlated with percentage of leaf folds with no egg (galls formed but no subsequent oviposition), percentage survival, or percentage mortality, indicating a general lack of density dependence.6. The proportion of folds with no egg oviposited differed significantly among field and potted plants, and was only correlated with survival or sources of mortality in one of three years.7. The data support the hypothesis that host plant genotype affects the interaction of the leaf folder with its natural enemies, and thus represents a three trophic level interaction.