Herbarium specimens reveal herbivory patterns across the genus Cucurbita.

Herbivory is common on individuals of all Cucurbita species collected throughout their geographic ranges. However, estimates of herbivory varied considerably among individuals, with mesophytic species accruing more insect damage than xerophytic species and wild specimens having more herbivory than specimens collected from human-managed habitats. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that long-term evolutionary changes in habitat from xeric to mesic climates and wild to human-managed habitats may mediate the levels of herbivory pressure from co-evolved herbivores. Future investigations into the potential factors that contribute to herbivory may inform the management of domesticated crop plants and their insect herbivores. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.