Utilization of primary nutrients by the polyphagous xylophage, Homalodisca coagulata, reared on single host species

Feeding experiments were conducted to assess development of the polyphagous leafhopper, Homalodisca coagulate, on single host species. Insects were reared from eggs on two cultivars of Euonymus japonica, two cultivars of Lagerstroemia indica, and two species of Prunus. Only insects on nonvariegated E. japonica and L. indica cv. Osage survived to maturity, although a substantial proportion of those on P. salicinia developed to the fourth instar. Chemical profiles of food source (xylem fluid), insect excrete and body composition, and consumption rates were used to estimate assimilation efficiencies, daily assimilation rates, and efficiency of conversion of food into biomass for all primary nutrients identified in the xylem fluid. Rates of successful maturation were greatest on the highest nitrogen and carbon source (nonvariegated E. japonica) and were associated with low consumption rates, high assimilation efficiencies, and prolonged instar durations. Developmental period on L. indica was shorter and consumption rates were higher, yet assimilation efficiencies were reduced and young nymphs had lower survivorship. Low consumption rates, coupled with the low nutritional value of P. salicinia, precluded sufficient accumulation of nutrients to complete development. Insects fed on hosts with xylem fluid containing high ratios of amides to total organic compounds (indicative of low carbon to nitrogen ratios) had higher consumption rates but less efficient assimilation of primary nutrients. Carcass analyses of newly eclosed adults suggest that regulation of consumption rates and assimilation efficiencies to provide adequate accumulation of essential amino acids may be pivotal for successful development.