Chemical Feeding Deterrent Mobilized in Response to Insect Herbivory and Counteradaptation by Epilachna tredecimnotata.
Experimentally damaged leaves of Cucurbita moschata mobilize substances to the damaged region within 40 minutes. These substances stimulate feeding by Acalymma vittata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and inhibit feeding by Epilacha tredecimnotata (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae). Under natural conditions, Epilachna cuts a circular trench in the leaf before feeding on the encircled leaf material, thus preventing mobilization of the deterrent substances to the feeding area.
Carroll
C R
CR
Hoffman
C A
CA