Ecological and behavioral basis for reproductive isolation in the sympatric Enchenopa binotata complex ( Homoptera: Membracidae).

Abstract

Life histories of the species in the Enchenopa complex of host-specific treehoppers are partially allochronic. Slight shifts in the sequence of days on which flight and mating occur restrict gene flow within this complex of species. Allochronic life histories are the primary factor in initiating and maintaining reproductive isolation. Allochronic male mortality and diel differences in mating further restrict hybridization. Other factors such as patchy distributions of hosts plants and mutualistic ants contribute to the disjunct pattern of populations.-from Authors