DATA_NC.xlsx

Elevated atmospheric CO₂ can alter plant-insect interactions by influencing plant physiology and chemical signaling. This study investigated how increased CO₂ levels affect the oviposition behavior of <i>Sericinus montela</i> and the subsequent growth of its larvae on <i>Aristolochia contorta</i>. Under elevated CO₂ conditions (670 ppm), <i>A. contorta</i> exhibited increased emission of specific signaling compounds, such as (6<i>E</i>)-nerolidol, linalool, and (3<i>E</i>,7<i>E</i>)-4,8,12-Trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene<b>,</b> while reducing overall volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which resulted in increased attractiveness for oviposition. However, larvae feeding on leaves grown under elevated CO₂ conditions experienced reduced growth efficiency, indicated by a lower efficiency of conversion of digested food and a reduced relative growth rate. Despite increased oviposition on these plants, larval performance was compromised, suggesting an ecological mismatch between host plant preference and nutritional suitability. These findings highlight potential disruptions in plant-herbivore interactions under different atmospheric CO₂ scenarios, with implications for insect population dynamics and ecosystem stability.