Melissa blue butterfly rearing experiment genomic data

Studies of ecological interactions often ignore genetic variation and studies of coevolution have rarely assayed the genetics of hosts and parasites at the same time. Here, we aimed to fill this knowledge gap. Specifically, our goal was to quantify the contribution of genetic differences among Melissa blue caterpillars and alfalfa plants to the variability in caterpillar growth and survival. Results from this study advance understanding of the evolution of ecological interactions, including host-parasite interactions beyond herbivorous insects and plants.