HOST PLANT SPECIFICITY AND SPECIATION IN HAWAIIAN DROSOPHILA

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Abstract
Summary: The breeding biology and host plant specificity of the Hawaiian Drosophila (Drosophilidae) are examined for evidence of sympatric speciation by comparing these attributes with those of the fugivorous flies Rhagoletis (Tephritidae). Since mate and host selection are directly correlated in Rhagoletis and since they are univoltine, this form of speciation is a real possibility. However, most of the Drosophila in Hawaii breed all year under proper conditions and the majority of closely related species utilize the same or very similar substrates for larval development thus species packing is high. Substrate specificity appears for the most part to be more important in the categories above the species level. On the other hand, even though mate and host selection are not correlated, the phenomenon of lek behavior in many species of Hawaiian Drosophila would be expected to force inbreeding and local isolation. Exactly how local the isolation is, remains for future investigation.
Funding Information
  • National Science Foundation
  • University of Arizona
  • National Institutes of Health
  • University of Hawai'i