Abstract
Finding and acceptance behaviors of Anasa tristis were investigated using plants that are suitable (pumpkin) or unsuitable (cucumber, coleus) for development. A. tristis found plants in the absence of non-contact cues. Plant finding is enhanced by olfaction and vision. A. tristis found suitable and unsuitable plants equally well. The importance of olfaction in plant acceptance is suggested by intense antennation while on plant and change in behavior on pumpkin and coleus after removal of antennae. Insects on suitable and unsuitable plants dab the surface, contact the plant surface with the labium and insert stylets. Post ingestive effects are important for plant acceptance and rejection. Ingesting water and some nutrients from plants unsuitable for development can be important in extending the time available to move between resource patches.
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Cook, C.A., Neal, J.J. Plant Finding and Acceptance Behaviors of Anasa tristis (DeGeer). Journal of Insect Behavior 12, 781–799 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020905126771
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020905126771