Comparison of Herbivores and Herbivory in the Canopy and Understory for Two Tropical Tree Species1

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7429.2000.tb00474.x
• Publication Date: 2006-03-15T09:54:40Z
• Authors: John A. Barone
• Keywords: Understory; Tree canopy; Growing season

ABSTRACT The Janzen–Connell model of tropical forest tree diversity predicts that seedlings and young trees growing close to conspecific adults should experience higher levels damage mortality from herbivorous insects, with the adult acting as either an attractant or source herbivores. Previous research in a seasonal showed this pattern distance‐dependent herbivory occurred early wet season during peak new leaf production. I hypothesized may occur at time because foliage canopy attracts high numbers herbivores are limited feeding on leaves. As consequence, saplings these more likely be discovered damaged by In late season, when there is little production canopy, spread evenly throughout distance dependence disappears. tested three predictions based hypothesis: (1) same species insect attack given plant species; (2) herbivore densities increase production; (3) understory rise course season. Censuses were conducted two species, raribea asterolepis Alseis blackiana . Adults both had largely suite chewing species. On Q. , density increased 6–10 times production, but was no A. Herbivore 4.5 8.9 clear trends These results suggest potential depends value leaves species' herbivores, which differ across