Adult oviposition preference, larval feeding preference, survivorship, and growth rates for Colias interior and Colias philodice.

Abstract

The data presented here attest to the importance of both genetics and experience in determining feeding preference in C. philodice and C. interior. Larvae demonstrate an innate preference for specific host plants, but their ability to utilize host plant tissue depends on previous feeding experience. The larvae used for these experiments will be raised through pupation and will, I am hopeful, allow subsequent investigation of oviposition and feeding preference among interspecific hybrids.