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Causes behind insect folivory patterns in latitudinal gradients
Article first published online: 20 AUG 2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2745.2010.01707.x
© 2010 The Authors. Journal of Ecology © 2010 British Ecological Society
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How to Cite
Björkman, C., Berggren, Å. and Bylund, H. (2011), Causes behind insect folivory patterns in latitudinal gradients. Journal of Ecology, 99: 367–369. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2745.2010.01707.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 FEB 2011
- Article first published online: 20 AUG 2010
- Received 21 January 2010; accepted 28 June 2010 Handling Editor: Martin Heil
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Keywords:
- climate;
- herbivory;
- plant–herbivore interactions;
- temperature;
- trophic interactions
Summary
1. Adams and Zhang recently published one of the best studies so far of patterns of insect folivory along a latitudinal (climatic) gradient. They show clear negative trends in foliage loss in relation to temperature for certain groups of insect herbivores.
2. Although their suggestion that the plant–herbivore interaction may be more important in cooler climates could be valid, they did not bring up the complementary explanation that interactions between predators and herbivores could also vary with climate. There are indications that insect natural enemies may respond more positively than insect herbivores to an increase in temperature. We argue that higher predator pressure in warmer climates may partly explain the patterns observed by Adams and Zhang.
3. Synthesis.To further develop the important research concerning herbivory in a changing climate, both theoretically and empirically, plant ecologists and entomologists would mutually benefit from joining forces.