The influence of plant anatomy on oviposition and reproductive success of the omnivorous bug Orius insidiosus

The mechanisms whereby the reproductive behaviour and success of omnivorous insects are influenced by plant characteristics are poorly understood. We examined how the oviposition behaviour of zoophytophagous Orius insidiosus and the subsequent longevity of its progeny are influenced by the physical structure and internal anatomy of five plant species. Female O. insidiosus oviposit into plant species with the thinnest layers of epidermal and collenchyma cells, a decision that is significantly correlated with the survival of their offspring. Once a plant species is chosen, the female mainly bases her oviposition decisions on epidermal thickness and the surface density of hair-like appendages on the plants. That females laid more eggs and nymphs survived longer on plants with thinner external tissues suggest that the mechanisms that drive female oviposition decisions have evolved such that optimal plant-based resources are available for the females' progeny. Microscopic examination of plant anatomical features revealed that vascular and cellular tissues are fully accessible to the piercing–sucking mouthparts of the developing insects, suggesting that multiple sources of plant nutrients are available to this omnivore. The ecological implications of plant-based contributions to O. insidiosus fitness are discussed.