The biology and survival strategy of Epicephala sp. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
Author of the article:WANG Zhi-Bo** LI Hou-Hun ***
Author's Workplace：College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
Key Words：Key words Glochidion sphaerogynum, Epicephala, biological character, mutualism, survival strategy
Abstract： [Objectives] To investigate the survival strategies of Epicephala sp., in particular those pertaining to the coevolutionary relationship between it and the plant Glochidion sphaerogynum (Müller Argoviensis). [Methods] The survival strategies of Epicephala sp. are discussed with reference to the phenology of G. sphaerogynum, including life history, adult activity patterns and larval seed consumption. [Results] Some aspects of the phenology and morphology of the female flower of G. sphaerogynum differ from those of other Glochidion plant species. In Hainan Yingge Mountain Nature Reserves, G. sphaerogynum has one flowering season, and Epicephala sp. one generation, each year. Epicephala sp. is an obligate parasite and pollinator of G. sphaerogynum. The rate of larvae emerging from fruits was 56.33%, and the proportion of intact seeds was 56.58%. The average number of seeds consumed by each larva was 4.53. [Conclusion] One survival strategy of Epicephala sp. is spending the G. sphaerogynum non-flowering period in the egg stage and synchronizing eclosion with the flowering season. Another is that Epicephala sp. inserts its ovipositor into the hole on the top of the style of the G. sphaerogynum female flower, an adaption to host morphology that both improves pollination efficiency and prevents seeds being over exploited.