Oviposition choices by a pre-dispersal seed predator (Hylemya sp.) : II. A positive association between female choice and fruit set
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1Department of Entomology, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Pre-dispersal seed predators must choose proper hosts and flowers on those hosts that have a high probability of setting seed. In this study, I documented that flowers of Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae) chosen by a pre-dispersal seed predator (Anthomyiidae: Hylemya sp.) had a higher probability of seed set than flowers the fly did not choose. I experimentally tested the hypothesis that Hylemya uses a post-fertilization cue in making oviposition choices. I found no evidence for this hypothesis.
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