Novel Insect Florivory Strategy Initiates Autogamy in Unopened Allogamous Flowers

Abstract

Insects may influence plant development via pollination, galling, and a range of herbivorous interactions, including florivory. Here, we report a novel form of insect-plant interaction in the form of florivory-initiated autogamy. Mompha capella larvae, feeding on petal bases of Crocanthemum canadense before flowers open, while providing no benefit to the plant, cause autogamy and subsequent seed and fruit development. This interaction provides a clear benefit to the florivore because it enters the developing fruit and consumes most seeds; however, surviving seeds are viable. This novel interaction is discussed with respect to the dimorphic cleistogamous reproduction employed by this plant species. Moreover, this represents a previously undocumented insect-plant interaction in the form of a florivory-initiated pollination.