Speciation via differential host-plant use in the tephritid fly Tephritis conura

Abstract

The close association between phytophagous insects and host plants and the possibility for specialization on new plants make phytophagous insects prime candidates for sympatric speciation via host-race evolution. In this chapter, we summarize results addressing host-race evolution in the tephritid fly Tephritis conura (Tephritidae) infesting Cirsium heterophyllum and C. oleraceum (Asteraceae). Host plant distributions in allopatry, sympatry and parapatry, and different infestation patterns enabled us to test geographic speciation scenarios, investigate adaptations, and address the importance of plant population history for diversification of T. conura.