Changes in agricultural land use can explain population decline in a ladybeetle species in the Czech Republic: evidence from a process-based spatially explicit model

摘要: Changes in land use affect species interactions and population dynamics by modifying the spatial template of trophic interaction availability resources time space. We developed a process-based spatially explicit model for evaluating effects on viability modelling foraging performance energy sequestration stage structured, three-trophic model. The is parameterized with realistic parameters ladybeetle–aphid–host plant interaction, run four landscapes Czech Republic. analysed whether changes crop selection fertilizer input could explain dramatic unexplained decline abundance ladybeetle Coccinella septempunctata Republic from 1978 to 2005. results indicate that major reduction after transition market economy, resulting lower aphid densities cereal crops negatively affecting sequestration, survival reproduction ladybeetles, provides sufficient explanation observed decline. Simulations further indicated C. highly dependent prey crops, particular cereal, which serves as their habitat. demonstrate how naturally occurring predators, are instrumental biological pest control, depends upon resource provided at landscape scale.