Caterpillar of the Evening Primrose Moth (IMAGE)
Caption
A caterpillar of the evening primrose moth (Schinia florida) devouring a flower bud of common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These moths exclusively feed on the flowers and fruits of evening primrose and in response to natural selection imposed by this and other specialist moths, evening primrose populations evolve to flower later and to produce high levels of toxic chemicals called ellagitannins in their fruits. This evolution effectively reduces damage of the plant’s reproductive organs and progeny.
Credit
Marc Johnson
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