Caterpillar Herbivory (IMAGE)

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Caterpillar Herbivory

Caption

The Rasta hornworm, Pseudosphinx tetrio, eats plants in the family Apocynaceae, and can consume three large leaves per day.

Based on a new study insects that eat species belonging to the genera, Inga, in the bean family, Fabaceae, researchers conclude that the interactions between plants and the insects that eat them help to explain tropical biodiversity.

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Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

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