Oviposition site preference of the bamboo gall maker, Aiolomorphus rhopaloides (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), on bamboo in terms of plant-vigor hypothesis

Abstract

Oviposition site preference of the bamboo gall maker, Aiolomorphus rhopaloides Walker, was investigated in a bamboo stand in terms of plant-vigor hypothesis. Galls in branches were distributed contagiously due to the difference in branch length. More galls were found on longer branches. Survival rates within galls, nitrogen content and gall size did not differ with branch-length class, suggesting that oviposition preference on longer branches is not attributed to better progeny fitness. The phenology of the buds where females oviposit and the greater number of buds on longer branches might contribute to female oviposition site preference.