![]() Our results provide novel mechanisms for how plant responses induced by foliar herbivores can lead to ecological costs. We did not detect any differences in the volatile blends released by damaged and undamaged branches, suggesting that foliar herbivore-induced changes in floral morphology and rewards, and not volatile blends, are the primary mechanism mediating changes in visitation. This reduction in style length could reduce pollen deposition between different floral morphs that is required for optimal pollination in a distylous plant. An investigation into the potential mechanisms behind reduced floral visitation in induced plants showed that foliar herbivore damage resulted in shorter styles and lower nectar volumes. Furthermore, herbivory resulted in reduced floral visitation from two common hummingbird species and two bee species. Foliar herbivory by a generalist grasshopper led to reduced fruit set in branches that were directly damaged as well as in adjacent undamaged branches on the same plant. Through a series of field experiments we investigated whether damage from foliar herbivores leads to a reduction in fruit set, influences floral visitation, or alters floral traits that may influence pollinator preference or pollinator efficiency. The resplendant beauty of the Japanese Magnolia bears new blossoms in earliest spring, giving the songbirds in its branches much to sing about With this we honor our most devoted providors of life, love, and warmth. We examined the effects of plant responses to herbivory in a hummingbird-pollinated distylous shrub, Palicourea angustifolia. Plant responses induced by herbivore damage can provide fitness benefits, but can also have important costs due to altered interactions with mutualist pollinators.
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