Insect host specificity

Insect host specificity refers to the tendency of certain insects to favor particular plants or animals as their environment or food source. Some insects have a narrow range, feeding on or living only with specific hosts, while others are more flexible. This preference is often influenced by factors like plant chemistry, physical structure, or the insect's ability to recognize suitable hosts through sensory cues. Host specificity plays a critical role in ecosystems, affecting plant and insect diversity, and can impact agriculture by guiding pest management strategies.