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Ecology & Evolution of Cycad-Feeding Lepidoptera
  • melissa whitaker,
  • Shayla Salzman
melissa whitaker
ETH Zurich Department of Environmental Systems Science

Corresponding Author:mrl.whitaker@gmail.com

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Shayla Salzman
Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Abstract

Cycads are an ancient group of tropical gymnosperms that are toxic to most animals—including humans—though the larvae of many moths and butterflies (order: Lepidoptera) feed on cycads with apparent immunity. These insects belong to distinct lineages with varying degrees of specialization and diverse feeding ecologies, presenting numerous opportunities for comparative studies of chemically-mediated eco-evolutionary dynamics. This review presents an evolutionary evaluation of cycad-feeding among Lepidoptera along with a comprehensive review of their ecology. Our analysis suggests that multiple lineages have independently colonized cycads from angiosperm hosts, yet only a few clades appear to have radiated following their transitions to cycads. Defensive traits are likely important for diversification, as many cycad specialists are warningly colored and sequester cycad toxins. The butterfly family Lycaenidae appears to be particularly predisposed to cycad-feeding and although aposematism is otherwise rare in this family, several cycad-feeding lycaenids are warningly colored and chemically defended. Cycad-herbivore interactions provide a promising but underutilized study system for investigating plant-insect coevolution, convergent and divergent adaptations, and the multi-trophic significance of defensive traits, therefore the review ends by suggesting specific research gaps that would be fruitfully addressed in Lepidoptera and other cycad-feeding insects.
02 Apr 2020Submitted to Ecology Letters
03 Apr 2020Submission Checks Completed
03 Apr 2020Assigned to Editor
06 Apr 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 May 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 May 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
04 Jun 20201st Revision Received
04 Jun 2020Submission Checks Completed
04 Jun 2020Assigned to Editor
10 Jun 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Jun 2020Editorial Decision: Accept