Body size mediates the role of insect seed predators as ecosystem engineers for arthropod communities DOI Open Access
Maurilio López‐Ortega, Noemí Matías‐Ferrer, Jorge Valenzuela

et al.

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 22, 2024

Abstract Arthropods that interact with host plants can function as allogenic ecosystem engineers by modifying plant structures, thereby influencing the availability of resources for other organisms. This study examined role insect seed predators within arthropod communities and assessed how body size affects this facilitation process. We hypothesised fruits more larger cavities would be colonised, since they increase probability colonisation allow a wider range sizes species to access fruits, respectively. collected tamarind ( Tamarindus indica , Fabaceae) infested different predators. Following emergence these organisms, we categorised 200 into five categories (40 per category) based on number entrance/emergence cavities: absent (fruits without cavities), small (one cavity), medium large multiple (two or cavities). The were then taken back field 2 4 months at beginning rainy season secondary arthropods. recorded 5237 colonisers from 50 morphospecies 12 orders. Ants most abundant group (4356 individuals) utilised mainly nesting sites (17 nests). Overall, in category had lower richness abundance arthropods compared present. Additionally, (medium categories) supported greater than those categories. Finally, facilitate colonise them just one cavity. Our findings underscore critical engineers, significantly shaping structure plant‐dwelling communities. conclude cavity diameter are key factors

Language: Английский

Body size mediates the role of insect seed predators as ecosystem engineers for arthropod communities DOI Open Access
Maurilio López‐Ortega, Noemí Matías‐Ferrer, Jorge Valenzuela

et al.

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Dec. 22, 2024

Abstract Arthropods that interact with host plants can function as allogenic ecosystem engineers by modifying plant structures, thereby influencing the availability of resources for other organisms. This study examined role insect seed predators within arthropod communities and assessed how body size affects this facilitation process. We hypothesised fruits more larger cavities would be colonised, since they increase probability colonisation allow a wider range sizes species to access fruits, respectively. collected tamarind ( Tamarindus indica , Fabaceae) infested different predators. Following emergence these organisms, we categorised 200 into five categories (40 per category) based on number entrance/emergence cavities: absent (fruits without cavities), small (one cavity), medium large multiple (two or cavities). The were then taken back field 2 4 months at beginning rainy season secondary arthropods. recorded 5237 colonisers from 50 morphospecies 12 orders. Ants most abundant group (4356 individuals) utilised mainly nesting sites (17 nests). Overall, in category had lower richness abundance arthropods compared present. Additionally, (medium categories) supported greater than those categories. Finally, facilitate colonise them just one cavity. Our findings underscore critical engineers, significantly shaping structure plant‐dwelling communities. conclude cavity diameter are key factors

Language: Английский

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