Feeding and breeding across host plants within a locality by the widespread thrips Frankliniella schultzei, and the invasive potential of polyphagous herbivores

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-4642.2000.00089.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-11T14:05:10Z
• Authors: M. Milne; G. H. Walter
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Frankliniella schultzei; 780105 Biological sciences; herbivore; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; host plants; 270500 Zoology; polyphagy; Biological invasions; generalist; C3

Abstract. Polyphagous insect herbivores could be expected to perform relatively well in new areas because of their ability exploit alternative resources. We investigated relative abundance patterns the polyphagous thrips species Frankliniella schultzei , which is characteristically found on plants from many different families, establish role host plant a single locality where not indigenous (Brisbane, south‐eastern Queensland, Australia). F. females and larvae were always present flowers (where oviposition takes place) never leaves eight that we surveyed regularly over one year. They Malvaviscus arboreus much higher densities than for any other host. more fecund developed faster floral tissue diets M . those hosts. M. therefore regarded as ‘primary’ investigated. The are ‘minor’ Available evidence indicates common geographical origin may primarily adapted minor also coincidentally share some features primary Adult accumulate hosts breed there, but lesser extent general implications investigating relationships interpreting ecology these generalist invaders spelt out.