[Uptake of water and food from green plants in regard to host-specifity ofOncopeltus fasciatus dallas]

Abstract

Turgescent plants of different species (17 species of 12 families) and of different physiological state (vegetative, flowering, with young fruits) as well as seeds (29 species of 17 families) have been investigated as food plants forOncopeltus fasciatus. The preference, especially in regard to food and water uptake, is analysed quantitatively. Nonhosts as well as leaves and stems of hostplants serve for water supply, whereby the sucking activity depends on the turgescence of the tissue. Feeding however is considered to be dominant on the reproductive organs of the examinedAslepiadaceae. Feeding punctures, in contrary to those for water uptake, are induced by specific attractants, characteristic to the species. The range of host plants ofO. fasciatus seems to be limited exclusively to the family of theAsclepiadaceae.