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BEHAVIORAL EVIDENCE FOR HOST-RACE FORMATION IN EUROSTA SOLIDAGINIS
Timothy P Craig1, Joanne K Itami1, Warren G Abrahamson2
1Life Sciences, Arizona State University West, P.O. Box 37100, Phoenix, Arizona, 85069.
Summary
The Eurosta solidaginis fly has developed distinct host races on goldenrod plants Solidago altissima and S. gigantea. These populations show reproductive isolation, suggesting early stages of sympatric speciation.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Eurosta solidaginis, a stem-galling tephritid fly, infests goldenrod plants.
- Previous electrophoretic studies indicated potential host races on Solidago altissima and S. gigantea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide behavioral evidence for the formation of host races in Eurosta solidaginis.
- To investigate reproductive isolation mechanisms between host-associated populations.
Main Methods:
- Observing oviposition preferences of flies from each host plant.
- Comparing emergence times between S. gigantea-associated and S. altissima-associated populations.
- Assessing mating preferences related to host of origin.
Main Results:
- Both sympatric populations exhibited strong host-specific oviposition preferences.
- A significant difference in emergence timing (10-14 days) was observed between the two populations.
- Host-associated mating preferences contributed to partial reproductive isolation.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral data support the existence of host races in Eurosta solidaginis on S. altissima and S. gigantea.
- The observed host races meet established criteria, indicating potential sympatric speciation.
- Divergence in emergence timing and mating behavior are key reproductive isolation mechanisms.
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