Leaf Anatomy of Maples (Acer) and Host Use by Lepidoptera Larvae

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Abstract
Five North American maples (Acer saccharum, A. rubrum, A. spicatum, A. pensylvanicum, and A. negundo) are differentially attacked by Lepidoptera larvae. The leaf anatomy of these maples was analyzed with respect to structures that could influence insect feeding. Maples differ in epidermal wall structure, tannin localization, and in development of a sclerenchymatous bundle sheath around conduction tissue. In maples, vascular structure largely determines leaf toughness. The feeding behavior, preferences, and growth of five generalist Lepidoptera (Pyrrharctia isabella, Spilosoma virginica, Halysidota tessellaris, Xanthotype sospeta, and Campaea perlata) were studied on A. saccharum and A. negundo, which differ most in leaf structure. Newly hatched larvae of all species attacked both maples in similar fashion, feeding selectively upon mesophyll after chewing through overlying epidermis. The sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths of A. saccharum were avoided, and appear to limit feeding on this maple; other structure differences appear less important. Insect species differed strongly in performance on the two maples: herb-feeders preferred A. negundo, while tree-feeders preferred A. saccharum.

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