The Lepidopteran Herbivores of the Model Plant Mimulus guttatus

Mimulus guttatus is a widespread riparian plant native to western North America. Due to its wide distribution and phenotypic variation it has been the subject of many studies incorporating genetic information into ecological and life history evolution studies. Mimulus guttatus defends itself from herbivory with physical defenses (e.g. trichomes) as well as a suite of phytochemical defenses; phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs). Despite its importance as a model organism little has been done on the herbivores that feed on this plant. We used literature records as well as field observations to construct a list of the Lepidoptera that utilize M. guttatus as a food plant. Sixteen species of Lepidoptera within five families were recorded as feeding on M. guttatus. Six of these species are classified as generalist herbivores, while the rest have varying degrees of host plant specialization.