Effects of leaf age on feeding ‘preference’ and egg laying in the chrysomelid beetle, <i>HaZtica lythri</i>

Abstract

Final instar larvae and adults of the chrysomelid beetle Haltica lythri Aubé were tested for their feeding preferences on young and senescent leaves of their host plant Epilobium hirsutum L., and found to spend most of the time feeding on young leaves when in a free‐choice situation. Females fed senescent leaves laid significantly fewer eggs than females fed young leaves. Feeding on senescent leaves is discussed in an ecological context.