Eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant–herbivore communities: incorporating plant phenotypic plasticity

• A conceptual framework of eco-evolutionary dynamics in plant–insect communities is proposed.
• Herbivore-induced plant phenotypes link plant evolution and associated insect communities.
• Combining induced phenotypes and genetic diversity in plants is critical in forming herbivore community structure and diversity.
• Species and functional diversity in herbivorous insects promote trait evolution of a plant and associated insect herbivores.
• Eco-evolutionary dynamics research will enrich understanding of plant–insect interactions.

The interplay between evolution and ecological communities is critical for the integration of different levels of biological organization. Recent work has begun to unveil the importance of plant phenotypic plasticity and plant–herbivore (co)evolution to link plant evolution and associated insect communities. Specifically, herbivore-induced plant traits (i.e., plastic phenotypes) have significant effects on the structure and diversity of herbivore communities, which can in turn promote the evolution of not only the focal plant but also insect community members. Here, I will provide a conceptual framework on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant–herbivore communities to understand how biological organizations are integrated in plant–insect interactions. Research on eco-evolutionary dynamics of plant–herbivore communities will undoubtedly enrich understanding of a wide range of plant–insect interactions.