FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT FOOD SELECTION BY ARTHROPODS - A REVIEW

We review published studies in which arthropods were presented with a choice of food types at a range of relative densities. Twenty‐four of 28 studies showed frequency‐independent preference; 11 studies also showed frequency‐dependent preference. Both pro‐ and anti‐apostatic selection were found. In the light of these studies we discuss possible behavioural mechanisms which produce such selection; the potential benefits to the predators and the consequences of such selection for diversity both within and between species. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved