Butterfly larvae reduce host plant survival in vicinity of alternative host species

Mortality of an annual plant. Collinsia torreyi, was increased in the vicinity of Pedicularis semibarbata plants. This was a consequence of feeding by Euphydryas editha, a herbivore which feeds on both plant species. Mortality of C. torreyi was better predicted by distance from P. semibarbata than by density of C. torreyi. Since not all herbivores are monophagous, interactions involving distance and density effects on plant survival and on vegetational diversity need to be considered with respect to plant and herbivore communities. Some of the complexities of one predator, two prey systems are discussed.