The attractivity and feeding preference of adults of Epicauta atomaria (Germ., 1821) for leaves of passion fruit species Passiflora spp. were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In attractivity tests accomplished in Petri dishes and olfactometer, the leaf disks and leaf extracts of P. setacea and P. edulis f. flavicarpa were the most preferred by adults of E. atomaria, while P. giberti, P. nitida and P. alata were the least preferred in the two kinds of recipients. In consumption tests (free and no choice), using leaf disks, P. setacea was the most consumed, confirming to be susceptible; P. giberti and P. nitida, were the least consumed, expressing feeding nonpreference as resistance mechanism;. P. edulis f. flavicarpa and P. alata also presented feeding nonpreference, however in fewer levels.
Insecta; Passiflora spp.; host plant resistance
