Plasticity and the problem of choice in food selection

The interaction of plasticity, choice, and diet breadth is discussed, and the problems faced by generalists highlighted. The case is made that insects with very broad diets, and hence an ability to choose among foods at: some time in their life history, have a problem making decisions that are efficient in terms of speed and quality. Reinterpretations of data from some insect groups, such as flower visitors, are presented in the light of such a neural problem, and explicit tests of the concept that there are neural constraints are reviewed. Possible mechanisms underlying changes in diet breadth are discussed.