Host-associated variation in sexual size dimorphism and fitness effects of adult feeding in a bruchid beetle

We studied the effect of larval host (two Convolvulus L. species, Convolvulaceae) on sexual size dimorphism and on the fitness consequences of adult feeding in the bruchid beetle Megacerus eulophus (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Whereas Convolvulus chilensis Pers. occurs in low density in semiarid habitats, Convolvulus bonariensis Cav. occurs in less stressful environments and exhibits higher population density. Host plants neither differ in seed mass nor in seed nitrogen content, and there were no consistent host-associated differences in female fitness. Consequently, host quality was considered to be similar. Sexual size dimorphism, expressed as the female:male ratio of body size, was significantly greater in C. chilensis than in C. bonariensis . A greater female size in the C. chilensis population could be selectively advantageous due to higher survival during host-plant search in stressful environments. Female longevity was affected by food availability (starvation vs. honey-pollen solution) and by the interaction between food availability and larval host. Fed females lived longer than starved females. This trend was found in both hosts, but it was of greater magnitude in C. chilensis than in C. bonariensis . Fecundity was significantly affected by adult feeding and larval host, and marginally affected by their interaction. Fed females laid more eggs than starved females. However, the increase in fitness of fed females was greater in C. chilensis . Results might be explained by differential selection on plasticity in life-history traits in contrasting environments. Females in stressful environments should take a greater advantage of the transient availability of resources.