Phenological plasticity alters community structures of alpine Lepidoptera
Abstract
The
current
increase
in
annual
temperatures
is
altering
the
spatial
distribution
and
timing
of
activity
patterns,
i.e.
phenology,
many
animal
plant
species.
Theory
predicts
such
phenological
plasticity
to
affect
community
composition
food
web
structure.
We
inferred
temporal
changes
Lepidoptera
phenology
a
mountainous
region
northern
Austria
characterised
by
ongoing
environmental
climate
change.
Long-term
records
(1960‒2022)
representing
189,993
2111
species
at
two
altitudinal
belts
served
assess
weekly
resolution.
Temporal
trends
towards
earlier
appearance
spring
prolonged
autumn
altered
short-term
lower
higher
altitudes.
Phenological
was
high
throughout
study
period
increased
over
course
years
becoming
more
fuzzy
autumn.
Variability
decreased
along
years.
found
little
evidence
for
synchronous
shifts
level,
but
buffered
effects
change
on
Lepidoptera.
However,
might
webs
interactions,
particularly
pollination,
possibly
insect
diversity.
Published: May 7, 2025
Language: Английский