Abstract: Learning is defined as a change in behavior with experience. Several kinds of learning, including habituation, aversion learning, associative learning, sensitization and induction of preference, have been identified in phytophagous insects. Phytophagous insects have the ability of learning in both larval and adult stages. However, larval diet and experience of feeding do not have direct influence on adult behavior. Learning in phytophagous insects is related to dietary range, types of host stimuli and the specialtemporal distribution dynamics of host plants. The ability of learning may enable phytophagous insects to cope with a complex and dynamic plant environment more effectively, enhance their efficiency of host utilization and thereby increase their fitness. Understanding learning in pest insects can provide important information for the tactics of pest management such as habitat manipulation and behavioral control.

Key words: Phytophagous insects, host plants, dietary range, learning, pest management