Beta-diversity of lepidopteran larval communities in a Japanese temperate forest: effects of phenology and tree species |
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Authors: | Masashi Murakami Tomoaki Ichie Toshihide Hirao |
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Institution: | (1) Tomakomai Research Station, Hokkaido University Forests, Takaoka, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 053-0035, Japan;(2) Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University, Otsu 200 Monobe, Nankoku-shi, Kochi 783-8502, Japan |
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Abstract: | The specialization of herbivores among tree species is poorly understood despite its fundamental importance as a factor regulating
diversity. To examine the effect of tree species on larval community structure, the larval communities in 10 temperate deciduous
tree species that differed in leaf emergence pattern (flush- vs. intermediate-type) were seasonally surveyed. The newly developed
soft, nitrogen-rich leaves of all species became tough and nitrogen-poor as the season progressed. Following the changes in
leaf quality, two distinct seasonal lepidopteran larval communities emerged, with a marked turnover in early July. The beta
diversity, or dissimilarity, of species composition in the larval communities among tree species was higher in summer than
in spring. These results imply that the lepidopteran larval communities as a whole were supported by alpha diversity in spring
and by beta diversity in summer, demonstrating that the plant diversity of this forest could support a caterpillar community.
We examined the importance of spatio-temporal variations in leaf quality within and among tree species in promoting herbivore
diversity, although other factors, such as tree species phylogeny and predators, may also have a large effect on lepidopteran
larval communities. |
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Keywords: | Canopy crane Dissimilarity Leaf toughness Lepidopteran larvae Nitrogen content Seasonal dynamics |
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