A Generic Individual-Based Spatially Explicit Model as a Novel Tool for Investigating Insect-Plant Interactions: A Case Study of the Behavioural Ecology of Frugivorous Tephritidae

摘要: Computational modelling of mechanisms underlying processes in the real world can be great value understanding complex biological behaviours. Uptake general biology and ecology has been rapid. However, it often requires specific data sets that are overly costly time resources to collect. The aim current study was test whether a generic behavioural model constructed using published could give realistic outputs for individual species. An individual-based developed Pattern-Oriented Modelling (POM) strategy protocol, based on rules associated with insect movement choices. Frugivorous Tephritidae (fruit flies) were chosen because economic significance global agriculture multiple available range Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni, identified as suitable species testing. Plant canopies modified architecture used run predictive simulations. A field then conducted validate our predictions how plant affects flies’ Characteristics such different shapes, e.g., closed-canopy vase-shaped, affected patterns spent host fruit. number visits also differed between edge centre plants. Compared architecture, less contribution effects patterns. results from this model, combined empirical suggest placing traps upper canopy at should work best. Such approach allows rapid testing ideas about organismal interactions environmental substrates silico rather than vivo, generate new perspectives. Using provides saving resources. Adjustments questions achieved by refinement parameters targeted experiments.