Factors driving the within?plant patterns of resource exploitation in a herbivore

Selective pressures exerted on the feeding behaviour of animals have been extensively studied to understand their foraging patterns. In herbivores, specific within-plant patterns resource exploitation reported, but determinants remain poorly understood. Here, we describe and decipher pattern pollen beetle Brassicogethes aeneus, a pollinivorous insect that is pest oilseed rape Brassica napus. This feeds from flowers for almost all its life cycle, except couple weeks preceding blossoming. During this period, only flower buds are available destroys them feed they contain, causing serious yield losses. We found during critical beetles exhibit stereotypic intra-inflorescence depends bud maturity. To explain pattern, first deciphered selective driving beetles' behaviour. Using set manipulative laboratory experiments, including behavioural experiments plant tissues artificial substrates, chemical characterization performance show does not seem be driven by specialized metabolites or an attempt reach optimal nutrient balance, rather process maximization total macronutrient intake. Next, using diet choice models, one aspect preference young over old buds, could well-explained through lens intake per unit time access resource. Our study provides new insights into small-scale highlights need characterize assess relative influence several components quality when deciphering Read free Plain Language Summary article Journal blog.