Habitat heterogeneity affects predation of European pine sawfly cocoons.

ABSTRACT: Habitat heterogeneity is thought to affect top-down control of herbivorous insects and contribute to population stability by providing a more attractive microhabitat for natural enemies, potentially leading to reduced population fluctuations. Identifying the parameters that contribute to habitat heterogeneity promoting top-down control of herbivorous insects by natural enemies could facilitate appropriate management decisions, resulting in a decreased risk of pest insect outbreaks because of a higher level of predation. In our study, we measured the top-down pressure exerted by small mammals on the cocoons of a notorious pest insect in pine forests, the European pine sawfly (Neodiprion sertifer), which is known to be regulated by small mammal predation. The forest stands used differ

SUBMITTER: Bellone D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5743652 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature