Long-term functional dynamics of an aphidophagous coccinellid community remain unchanged despite repeated invasions

PloS One
Christine A BahlaiD A Landis

Abstract

Aphidophagous coccinellids (ladybeetles) are important providers of herbivore suppression ecosystem services. In the last 30 years, the invasion of exotic coccinellid species, coupled with observed declines in native species, has led to considerable interest in the community dynamics and ecosystem function of this guild. Here we examined a 24-year dataset of coccinellid communities in nine habitats in southwestern Michigan for changes in community function in response to invasion. Specifically we analyzed their temporal population dynamics and species diversity, and we modeled the community's potential to suppress pests. Abundance of coccinellids varied widely between 1989 and 2012 and became increasingly exotic-dominated. More than 71% of 57,813 adult coccinellids captured over the 24-year study were exotic species. Shannon diversity increased slightly over time, but herbivore suppression potential of the community remained roughly constant over the course of the study. However, both Shannon diversity and herbivore suppression potential due to native species declined over time in all habitats. The relationship between Shannon diversity and herbivore suppression potential varied with habitat type: a positive relationship in for...Continue Reading

References

Dec 1, 2001·Annual Review of Entomology·Stuart R Reitz, John T Trumble
Mar 5, 2004·Journal of Economic Entomology·Fred R MusserAnthony M Shelton
Sep 13, 2008·Science·Deborah L Finke, William E Snyder

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Citations

Jan 16, 2020·PLoS Computational Biology·Christie A Bahlai, Elise F Zipkin
Oct 28, 2017·Ecology and Evolution·Julia TiedeClaudio Gratton
Nov 26, 2015·Ecological Applications : a Publication of the Ecological Society of America·Christine A BahlaiDouglas A Landis
Jul 25, 2020·Oecologia·Robert J LambAlejandro C Costamagna
Mar 19, 2021·Annals of the Entomological Society of America·Hongran LiJohn J Obrycki

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