Host-associated-divergence
Guides
Aceria parapopuli
Poplar Budgall Mite
Aceria parapopuli is an eriophyid gall mite that specializes on Populus (poplar/cottonwood) hosts. Research demonstrates that this mite exhibits genetic divergence driven by hybridization in its host plants, with distinct ITS1 sequence differentiation across multiple cottonwood hybrid zones. The species serves as a model for understanding how plant hybrid zones function as essential habitat and evolutionary drivers for dependent herbivores.
Prodoxus coloradensis
Prodoxus coloradensis is a small yucca moth in the family Prodoxidae, distributed across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike its pollinating relatives, this species is a commensalist herbivore that feeds on yucca flowering stalks without providing pollination service. The species exhibits host-associated genetic divergence and incipient speciation across its three known host plants, with evidence of female philopatry and sex-biased dispersal.