Techniques for continuous rearing and assessing host preference of a multivoltine leaf-mining moth, Acrocercops transecta (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

摘要

Techniques for rearing the leaf-mining moth Acrocercops transecta successively over several generations are described. Based on continuous rearing, some life historical parameters in A. transecta were determined. Because of its short generation time,successive rearing makes the moth suitable for mating experiments and a model organism to elucidate the mechanism of host-associated speciation. In phytophagous insects, specialists predominate in terms of number of species (Menken & Roessingh 1998). Thediversity of specialist herbivores has been ascribed mainly to host-associated speciation through host shift (Bush 1994; Berlocher & Feder 2002). To understand the mechanism of speciation by host shift, it is necessary to know the genetic basis of hostpreference of ovipositing females and of host adaptation of their larvae (Thompson 1988). The use of a model organism with a short generation time and a multivoltine life cycle is preferable for elucidating the genetic basis.