| The scraper Acentroptera pulchella (Chrysomelidae, Hispinae) feeds on the leaves of Aechmea blanchetiana (Bromeliaceae), but not indiscriminately. This insect apparently concentrates its attack on the apical region of the intermediate leaves from the bromeliad tank. To characterise the potential influence of leaf defensive strategies on the intraspecific feeding pattern of A. pulchella on the leaves of the bromeliad A. blanchetiana, we quantified the apparent intraspecific preference of this feeding pattern; compared distinct leaves and portions in relation to morpho-physiological, mechanical, nutritional and chemical anti-herbivore strategies; and investigated whether some or all these defensive strategies help explain the observed feeding pattern. A.... |
