Post-introduction evolution in the biological control agent Longitarsus jacobaeae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
نویسندگان
چکیده
Rapid evolution has rarely been assessed in biological control systems despite the similarity with biological invasions, which are widely used as model systems. We assessed post-introduction climatic adaptation in a population of Longitarsus jacobaeae, a biological control agent of Jacobaea vulgaris, which originated from a low-elevation site in Italy and was introduced in the USA to a high-elevation site (Mt. Hood, Oregon) in the early 1980s. Life-history characteristics of beetle populations from Mt. Hood, from two low-elevation sites in Oregon (Italian origin) and from a high-elevation site from Switzerland were compared in common gardens. The performance of low- and high-elevation populations at a low- and a high-elevation site was evaluated using reciprocal transplants. The results revealed significant changes in aestival diapause and shifts in phenology in the Mt. Hood population, compared with the low-elevation populations. We found increased performance of the Mt. Hood population in its home environment compared with the low-elevation populations that it originated from. The results indicate that the beetles at Mt. Hood have adapted to the cooler conditions by life-history changes that conform to predictions based on theory and the phenology of the cold-adapted Swiss beetles.
منابع مشابه
Hybrid vigor in the biological control agent, Longitarsus jacobaeae
Hybridization is an important evolutionary mechanism that can increase the fitness and adaptive potential of populations. A growing body of evidence supports its importance as a key factor contributing to rapid evolution in invasive species, but the effects of hybridization have rarely been assessed in intentionally introduced biological control agents. We investigated hybrids between a Swiss a...
متن کاملA new species of Longitarsus Latreille, 1829 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) pupating inside stem aerenchyma of the hydrophyte host from the Oriental Region
A new species of subaquatic Longitarsus pupating inside the stem aerenchyma of its hydrophyte host plant is described. Eggs are laid on tender leaves and buds and the larvae are open feeders. This is the first report of an Oriental flea beetle pupating inside the stem of its hydrophyte host. A key to the species of southern Indian Longitarsus is provided.
متن کاملThe First Report of Leptus N. Sp. (Acari: Erythraeidae) as Ectoparasite of Cassida Persica Spaeth (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Oil and Gas Company of Gachsaran
Mites of family Erythraeidae are parasites in their larval stage and predators in their post-larval stages on a variety of arthropods, among which are important pest species. During 2011-2013, in a faunistic survey of mites associated with beetles of the family Chrysomelidae in Oil and Gas company of Gachsaranregion, Iran. Specimens were preserved in AG (alcohol 75%, glyserin 5%), cleared in la...
متن کاملThe First Report of Leptus N. Sp. (Acari: Erythraeidae) as Ectoparasite of Cassida Persica Spaeth (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Oil and Gas Company of Gachsaran
Mites of family Erythraeidae are parasites in their larval stage and predators in their post-larval stages on a variety of arthropods, among which are important pest species. During 2011-2013, in a faunistic survey of mites associated with beetles of the family Chrysomelidae in Oil and Gas company of Gachsaranregion, Iran. Specimens were preserved in AG (alcohol 75%, glyserin 5%), cleared in la...
متن کاملRare Failures of DNA Bar Codes to Separate Morphologically Distinct Species in a Biodiversity Survey of Iberian Leaf Beetles
During a survey of genetic and species diversity patterns of leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) assemblages across the Iberian Peninsula we found a broad congruence between morphologically delimited species and variation in the cytochrome oxidase (cox1) gene. However, one species pair each in the genera Longitarsus Berthold and Pachybrachis Chevrolat was inseparable using molecular methods...
متن کامل