Caterpillar loss in tropical forest linked to extreme rain, temperature events

(University of Nevada, Reno) Using a 22-year dataset of plant-caterpillar-parasitoid interactions collected within a patch of protected Costa Rican lowland Caribbean forest, scientists report declines in caterpillar and parasitoid diversity and density that are paralleled by losses in an important ecosystem service: biocontrol of herbivores by parasitoids. The study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers, published in Scientific Reports, reveals distressing declines among common caterpillar genera and the ecosystem services provided by their natural enemies.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: news