Lepidoptera function in the dynamics of forested ecosystems by serving as defoliators, decomposers, prey or hosts to carnivores, and pollinators. The biodiversity of Lepidoptera is thus linked into the ecosystem by influence that various species (groups) have on nutrient cycling, plant population dynamics, and predator-prey population dynamics. The sources of biodiversity of the Lepidoptera can be grouped into vegetation types: conifers, hardwood trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses.
Inventory of Lepidoptera biodiversity in conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest indicated that a majority of the individual moth abundance and species richness in Lepidoptera can be attributed to hardwood trees and shrubs. Furthermore, various plant communities and land management regimens produce a distinct community of Lepidoptera that is useful for identifying and monitoring dynamics of biodiversity following practices such as timber harvest, fire, grazing, and pesticide applications.
Keywords: community ecology, hostplant guilds
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA