Invasive plant species may serve as a biological corridor for the invertebrate fauna of naturally isolated hosts

摘要: The negative effects of alien invasive plants on habitats have been well-documented. However, the exchange organisms between these and native taxa has far less researched. Here we assess exchanges arthropod associates a (Virgilia divaricata) an (Acacia mearnsii) legume tree within ecotone forest fynbos vegetation Cape Floristic Region South Africa. Arthropod species richness, abundance, assemblage composition measures beta-diversity were assessed two where they grow sympatrically. Except for spiders ants, richness did not differ significantly taxa. overall abundance arthropods was, however, higher species. This pattern was strongly driven by herbivores, as is consistent with predictions Enemy Release Hypothesis. When excluding rare taxa, over 75 % all collected in this study associated both host trees. community differed plant largely due to differences their herbivore communities. beta diversity high host, communities being much more homogenous across sampling range. These results indicate that there are numerous plants. may provide pathway other previously isolated populations. will significant implications biodiversity conservation at habitat, population level.