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Is selection of host plants by Plagiodera versicolora based on plant‐related performance?

Plant‐related performance may be one of the most important factors in the selection of host plants by insect herbivores. We investigated the importance of plant‐related performance in host selection by the willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on four willow species: Salix chaenomeloides Kimura, Salix eriocarpa Fr. et Sav., Salix integra Thunb., and Salix serissaefolia Kimura (Salicaceae). Bagging experiments in the field revealed that the performance of P. versicolora adults and larvae differed significantly among willow species under enemy‐free conditions and at constant densities. Egg clutch and larval abundance were positively related to adult abundance. Plagiodera versicolora adults did not discriminate strongly among willow species for feeding and oviposition. Larval performance did not differ among willow species in the presence of natural enemies, suggesting that interspecific differences in host quality were overridden by mortality from natural enemies. Adult and egg clutch abundance of P. versicolora changed seasonally despite the temporal stability of adult and larval performance under enemy‐free field conditions. Thus, plant‐related performance of P. versicolora adults and larvae may contribute little to population growth and temporal dynamics of host use in P. versicolora. Potential factors that reduce discrimination of P. versicolora among host willow species are discussed.