Abstract: Due to the genetic conservation of herbivory, phylogenetic distance between native plants and invasive plants may determine herbivory of invasive plants by native insects. However, how phylogenetic distance between native plants and invasive plants affects the herbivory of native insects on invasive plants is still unclear. We conducted manipulative experiments and field survey. We constructed artificial plant communities with distant and close phylogenetic distance to invasive plants (Solidago canadensis L.). Meanwhile, we conducted surveys on plant communities invaded by S. canadensis in Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Yunnan provinces. The proportion and intensity of insect feeding on leaves of S. canadensis were examined. Results of artificial experiments showed that phylogenetic distance and species types (native or invasive plants) significantly interacted to affect herbivory intensity. When the phylogenetic distance between the native plants and S. canadensis was close, the herbivory intensity of S. canadensis was significantly higher than that of native plants. When the phylogenetic distance between the native plants and S. canadensis was distant, the herbivory intensity of S. canadensis was significantly lower than that of native plants. Herbivory proportion had no significant difference between native and invasive plants in both artificial plant communities with close or distant phylogenetic distance with invasive plants. There were significant differences in the individual number of some insect species between genetically distant and genetically close groups. Results from the field survey showed that different regions and phylogenetic distance had significant effect on herbivory proportion and intensity. Plant species richness had no significant effect on herbivory proportion and intensity. The herbivory proportion and intensity had a significant negative correlation with phylogenetic distance in Zhejiang and Fujian, but no significant correlation in Yunnan. Our results indicate that phylogenetic distance can affect invasive plants by influencing herbivory of native insects. Therefore, more attention should be paid on the phylogenetic distance between native and invasive plants in future studies about invasibility of plant communities.

Key words: phylogenetic distance, insect feeding, Solidago canadensis L., plant diversity