OVIPOSITION BY THE BANDED SUNFLOWER MOTH, COCHYLIS HOSPES (LEPIDOPTERA, COCHYLIDAE) IN RESPONSE TO HELIANTHUS-ANNUUS POLLEN

Oviposition on an artificial substrate by the banded sunflower moth Co chylis hospes Walsingham was examined in response to sunflower pollen (Helianthus annuus) and sunflower pollen extract. Sunflower pollen in quantities as small as 0.2 mg significantly reduced oviposition on an artificial substrate relative to a control without pollen. Aqueous pol len extract applied to the artificial substrate significantly reduced oviposition with respect to the control substrate that was treated wit h solvent. Banded sunflower moths have gained some reproductive or com petitive advantage by ovipositing on the bracts of sunflower and a det errent effect of pollen could, at least in part, have had functional s ignificance in the development of a behavioral preference for the brac ts of the sunflower head as an oviposition site.