Use of multivariate analysis in analysis of 23 insect taxa (including internal and external insect grain feeders, fungivores, parasitoids, and predatory insects) sampled at 19 plots in stored corn in two depths (total of 38 samples) and in three consecutive time periods. Location (x and y coordinates as well as depth) of sampling plots, temperature, corn moisture content, and variables accounting for the diversity of insect taxa in samples were used as explanatory variables in direct ordination analysis. The analysis is used to discuss a storage facility as a habitat composed of micro-niches and how inter-species relations (e.g. competition) cause negative and positive associations of insect species. The analysis indicated that different insect species had different spatial distribution patterns within the storage facility, and the implications of this is discussed.
Species 1: Coleoptera Curculionidae Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevil)
Species 2: Lepidoptera Pyralidae Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth)
Keywords: spatial pattern, multi-species
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