Heteroecious

Definition

A type of life cycle where an insect, typically an aphid, alternates between two different host plants during its development.

Etymology

From Greek 'heteros', meaning 'other' or 'different', and 'oikos', meaning 'house'.

Example

The heteroecious life cycle of the green pear aphid involves a primary host plant in the spring and a secondary host plant in the summer.

Related Terms

• Aphids
• Host Plant Alternation
• Life Cycle

Usage Notes

Heteroecious life cycles are often associated with complex host plant relationships and can involve significant dispersal events.