Near-regular distribution of adult crimson tansy aphids,Uroleucon tanaceti(L.), increases aposematic signal honesty on different tansy plant chemotypes

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Abstract
The distribution pattern of the specialist crimson tansy aphid Uroleucon tanaceti (L.) on the leaves of its host plant, tansy Tanacetum vulgare L., was investigated, along with its associated arthropod predators, in relationship to the differing chemotype of the host (concentrations of different terpenes/terpenoids in the phloem: borneol, camphor, carvone and β-thujone) in order to ascertain how a specific trait (here, secondary antifeedant content) can reinforce the warning signal displayed by such aposematically coloured animals. The distribution of aphid colonies was negatively affected by the presence of the terpene β-thujone in the tansy plant, whereas colony size was negatively affected by the presence of both β-thujone and carvone. The observed near-regular distribution frequency of ‘post-reproducing’ asexual adults by their position at colony margins on plant leaves increased with increasing concentrations of plant volatiles, but only until ~40% (borneol and camphor) and 65% (β-thujone), respectively. This is the first time that an influence of plant chemotype variation on the strength of the warning signal and defence of an aposematically coloured species has been documented. Additional traits (i.e. regular distribution of adults) are adopted at higher chemical content in direct response to the likelihood of predator attack.
Funding Information
  • Institute of Research Programs of the Sapientia University (1/13/05.01.2015)

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