Acorn predators constitute an important part of deciduous forests, impacting both seed dispersal and survival. To assess their impact on acorn survival in deciduous forests of eastern Kentucky, and to determine the effects of prescribed fire on their diversity and abundance, oak-dominated stands were monitored in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Abundance and seasonal activity of acorn predators was assessed by monitoring pitfall traps baited with damaged acorns, unbaited Tedder's traps, and carton traps baited with ethanol, from March through October in plots (n=3) on three sites. In April 2003, two sites were subjected to prescribed fire. Stelidota octomaculata (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and several Curculio and Conotrachelus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) species were the most abundant acorn predators trapped. First activity of S. octomaculata occurred in mid-March and remained steady throughout the season, while activity of the curculionids began later and was more concentrated. Prescribed fire did not decrease the abundance of any of the major acorn predators trapped, nor did it decrease the diversity of insects sampled. Prescription burning is often used to promote oak regeneration, but these results suggest that it may not decrease acorn predation.
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