Correlations between leaf structural traits and the densities of herbivorous insect guilds

摘要: The functional composition of herbivorous insect assemblages was correlated with aspects new and mature leaf surface features, anatomy morphology across 18 co-occurring plant species. Multivariate analyses insects traits revealed that the herbivore assemblage more strongly structural than constituents. Leaf were its taxonomic composition. Densities sessile phloem feeders, ­rostrum chewers, all herbivores significantly negatively specific weight, lamina cuticle thickness, vascular tissue depth stomate length, positively density. External chewer densities percent lignified vein area, area distance between tissues. Spine-like leaves associated lower external chewers compared to kite (kite are comprised unfortified supported by a framework tissue). presence thickened hypodermis rostrum while midrib protection chewers. may not be proximal factors influencing insects, as many other such photosynthetic rate, relative growth rate life-span. Nonetheless, these results indicate certain potentially used predict structure assemblages.  © 2002 Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2002, 77, 43–65.