Plant diversity increases predation by ground-dwelling invertebrate predators

摘要: Global declines in biodiversity have raised concerns over the implications of diversity loss for functioning ecosystems. Plant has impacts throughout food webs affecting both consumer communities and ecosystem functions mediated by consumers. Effects plant on invertebrate predators been documented, yet little is known about how these translate into variations predation rates. We measured rates along two gradients grassland experiments manipulating species richness functional diversity. Measurements were conducted at different heights (ground vegetation) seasons (spring summer), using three types baits. Our results show that overall increase with richness, but effects are seasonally variable much more pronounced ground than vegetation. did not consistently affect our experiments. Potential mechanistic explanations an effect include higher complementarity between predator or reduced intraguild increasing structural complexity These underline importance high local natural pest control.