Interspecific larvae competence and mandible shape disparity in cutworm pest complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In this study, we analyze whether the shape of the mandibles is a contrasting trait between seven cutworm species, and we discuss whether this morphological trait can be an influential factor in the abundance and predominance of species within the complex between the southern and northern part of the Pampean region. Using geometric morphometrics tools, the results evidenced that cutworms complex differs in this functional trait. Closer phylogenetically species of Agrotis were widely different between them, while species phylogenetically distant belonging to Feltia and Peridroma were lightly similar. These results showed that functional traits have a fundamental importance to develop a predictive framework linking the herbivory damage with the herbivore functional diversity.
Source: A Journal of Comparative Zoology - Category: Zoology Source Type: research