title: Differential herbivory on C3versus C4grasses by the grasshopper Ageneotettix deorum (Orthoptera: acrididae).
abstract: The hypothesis that graminivorous grasshoppers select C3grasses over C4grasses was tested with experiments in the field. It was found that the generalist, graminivorous grasshopper Ageneotettix deorum typically chooses C3as opposed to C4grasses when both types are equally available. This preference is attributed to the differences in leaf anatomies of C3and C4plants since crude protein, water, lignin, fiber, and silicon content or the size of the individual leaves tested do not explain the observed feeding pattern. However, examination of the actual food plant selection of actual field inhabiting grasshoppers indicates that food plant prefernce may only be a minor component of food selection in natural settings.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, 68588-0118, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heidorn
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, 68588-0118, Lincoln, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Joern