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Plant susceptibility to herbivore attack is determined not just by the suite of defenses present in different tissues of the plant, but also by the capabilities of the herbivore for tolerating, circumventing, or disarming the defenses. This article reviews the elaborate behaviors exhibited by leaf-chewing insects that appear to function specifically to deactivate hostplant defenses. Shortcomings in our understanding and promising areas for future research are highlighted. Behaviors covered include vein cutting, trenching, girdling, leaf clipping, and application of fluids from exocrine glands. Many of these behaviors have a widespread distribution, having evolved independently in multiple insect lineages. Insects utilizing the behaviors include significant agricultural, horticultural, and forestry pests, as well as numerous species important in natural ecosystems. Behavioral, ecological, and phylogenetic studies have documented the importance of the behaviors and their ancient history, but the molecular analysis of how the behaviors affect plant physiology has scarcely begun.
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Supplemental Video 1: Erinnyis ello (Sphingidae) larva cutting a furrow into the midrib of a poinsettia leaf (Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbiaceae). The larva repeatedly wiped its labium over the cut surface, presumably applying saliva. Supplemental Video 2: Pygarctia roseicapitis larva (Erebidae) compressing and cutting the petiole of a Euphorbia dentata leaf (Euphorbiaceae) in the laboratory. Latex exuding from the cuts was ingested. Supplemental Video 3: Oedemasia leptinoides (Notodontidae) chewing a girdle in the rachis of a pecan leaf (Carya illinoensis, Juglandaceae). The film speed has been increased 2x. Supplemental Video 4: Praeschausia zapata larva (Notodontidae) constricting the petiole of a Chamaesyce nutans leaf (Euphorbiaceae) in the laboratory before consuming the leaf. Latex oozing from the constriction was consumed.