Beneficial insects in urban environments: parasitism rates increase in large and less isolated plant patches via enhanced parasitoid species richness.

摘要: Abstract In urban habitats, plant resources for herbivorous insects and their parasitoids are spatially subdivided embedded in a matrix of built environment. These conditions could affect insect colonization persistence, leading to altered trophic interactions. Here we tested whether spatial attributes (size isolation) patches an spontaneous (Commelina erecta) the parasitism rates on specialist leaf miner (Liriomyza commelinae) from its diverse parasitoid assemblage. To achieve this goal performed observational study Cordoba city (Argentina), by sampling 893 naturally established C. erecta 18 neighborhoods. Overall augmented at increasing patch size decreasing isolation, those effects were mediated changes richness. Leaf miners larger or less isolated supported more species which, independently host abundance, led higher rates. Individual showed different responses attributes, with some being efficient large whereas other independent attributes. Our results highlight importance availability diversity key process biological control which they involved. Understanding how natural enemies respond patchiness herbivore context contribute development strategies preserve beneficial these highly modified landscapes.