Behavioural, ecological and genetic evidence confirm the occurrence of host-associated differentiation in goldenrod gall-midges

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Abstract

Host-associated differentiation (HAD) is considered a step towards ecological speciation and an important mechanism promoting diversification in phytophagous insects. Although the number of documented cases of HAD is increasing, these still represent only a small fraction of species and feeding guilds among phytophagous insects, and most reports are based on a single type of evidence. Here we employ a comprehensive approach to present behavioural, morphological, ecological and genetic evidence for the occurrence of HAD in the gall midge Dasineura folliculi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on two sympatric species of goldenrods (Solidago rugosa and S. gigantea). Controlled experiments revealed assortative mating and strong oviposition fidelity for the natal-host species. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA showed an amount of genetic divergence between the two host-associated populations compatible with cryptic species rather than host races. Lower levels of within-host genetic divergence, gall development and natural-enemy attack in the S. gigantea population suggest this is the derived host. © 2009 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

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Dorchin, N., Scott, E. R., Clarkin, C. E., Luongo, M. P., Jordan, S., & Abrahamson, W. G. (2009). Behavioural, ecological and genetic evidence confirm the occurrence of host-associated differentiation in goldenrod gall-midges. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 22(4), 729–739. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01696.x

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