Sj. Scheffer, Genetic variation and the potential for host range evolution in the leafmining fly Amauromyza flavifrons (Diptera : Agromyzidae), ANN ENT S A, 92(5), 1999, pp. 742-747
This study investigated patterns of genetic variation in host-use character
s in the leafmining fly Amauromyza flavifrons Meigen. Females of this speci
es readily oviposit on Beta vulgaris L., a nontraditional host plant upon w
hich the larvae experience high levels of mortality. Experiments found sign
ificant genetic variation in oviposition response to B. vulgaris but not in
either larval survival or growth on this plant species. In regions with hi
gh densities of B, vulgaris, it is predicted that the luck of genetic varia
tion in larval survival and growth on this plant will constrain the adoptio
n of this plant as a "true host plant" and, instead, females will evolve to
have lower acceptance of this plant for oviposition.