Ecological Generalization vs. Specialization in Insects

Dear Colleagues,

Ecological specialization and generalism in insects reflect the existence of an evolutionary bidirectional continuum, involving complex, multidimensional scenarios. It has often been assumed that ecological generalism in phytophagous insects comes at the expense of the less intense exploitation of specific resources, and that this trade-off will promote the evolution of ecologically more specialized daughter species (Hardy and Otto 2014). In the so-called “oscillation hypothesis”, speciation could be driven by host-plant generalists giving rise to specialist daughter species, while in the so-called “musical chairs hypothesis”, speciation could be driven by host-plant switching, without substantial changes in niche breadth (Hardy and Otto 2014). Due to discordant theories about the evolutionary mechanisms underlying transitions from ecological generalism to specialization, as well as the potential role that such transitions have on speciation (Forister et al. 2012), in the present Special Issue, we call for papers particularly focusing on these important aspects of the evolutionary relationships between phytophagous insects and their (larval) host-plants.

Since parasitic insects add an additional layer to this complex biological process, we extend the investigation of the evolutionary relationships between “specialized” and “generalist” species to both parasitic and parasitoid insects.

All articles dealing with all aspects of the evolution of the ecological specialization in both phytophagopus (s.l.) and parasitic (s.l.) insects are welcome, with particular emphasis on ecological genetics, behavior, interaction complexity, and macroevolution. Priority will be given to studies presenting novel data and novel case studies. However, reviews and theoretical articles will also be positively considered for the aims of this Insects Special Issue.

Prof. Paolo Audisio
Dr. Marco Trizzino
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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