Does plant diversity increase top–down control of herbivorous insects in tropical forest?

摘要: Higher trophic level interactions are key mediators of ecosystem functioning in tropical forests. A rich body theory has been developed to predict the effects plant diversity on communities at higher levels and mechanisms underlying such effects. The 'enemies hypothesis’ states that predators exert more effective top–down control herbivorous insects with increasing diversity. Support for this hypothesis found temperate forests agroecosystems, but remains understudied We compared incidence attacks different natural enemies using artificial caterpillars a forest landscape investigated role community structure (i.e. species richness, composition density), fragmentation patch size, edge distance canopy openness) predation intensity. Plant were tested respect three vegetation strata: trees, saplings herbs. Observed was substantially due ants. Predation rates increased richness trees Density saplings, herb cover important factors predation. No significant patterns parameters, suggesting not altered conclude forests, understory is affected by combination diversity, structural features community.