Density of Insect Galls in the Forest Understorey and Canopy: Neotropical, Gondwana or Global Patterns?

摘要: Gall-forming insects reach highest diversity, abundance and survivorship on sclerophyllous vegetation. This pattern was recently reviewed shown as a habitat rather than ecosystem effect. We tested the hypothesis that upper forest canopies are probably best suitable for gall-forming in any tropical vegetation, comparing wet rainforest of Panama (Neotropical), subtropical Australia (Australian). further whether foliage/plant community traits could influence this gall distribution pattern, we investigated effect host family size evolutionary age. Foliage traits, leaf chewing herbivory, were measured using vertical cylindric transects from understorey to canopy. In both Australia, sclerophylly increased significantly with sampling height, while free-feeding herbivory decreased inversely. Gall responded sclerophylly, but between canopy varied study sites. The probability increasing death by fungi, parasitoids or accidental greater non-sclerophyllous vegetation However, number galls, proportion infected sampled plants, species against total all Australia. On other hand, Australian had fauna much more concentrated fewer hosts, 80 % galls infesting six species. present supports existence global positive establishment forests.