Patterns of petiole abundance and diversity in bark beetles (Scolytinae) of Cecropia trees in Monteverde, Costa Rica, August 2008

Alternative Title

Patrones de abundancia del pecíolo y diversidad de los escarabajos de corteza (Scolytinae) de los árboles de Cecropia en Monteverde, Costa Rica

Creator

Sonali Gandhi

Files

Publication Date

August 2008

Abstract

Cecropia trees regularly shed their woody, large petioles year round. This provides bark beetles from the family Scolytinae with a dependable and stable microhabitat. Bark beetles bore into the petioles, lay their eggs, and feed on the pith (Wood 1983). This study was conducted in Monteverde, Costa Rica. It examined the abundance and diversity of bark beetles between Cecropia polyphlebia in the Monteverde Cloud Forest (1550 meters) and an intermediary phenotype at Bajo del Tigre (1400 meters). It also investigated the percent of petioles colonized, species richness, evenness, and the influence of petiole moisture and length on the abundance and diversity of beetles. I analyzed 90 dead, woody petioles from the ground and from hanging vegetation from each site. Petioles were dissected and beetles were removed and identified by one of six Scolytinae morphospecies. Differences in the abundance and diversity of beetles between the two species were then compared. This study suggests that there was no difference in species diversity between the two tree species (p > 0.05). However, a difference in abundance between the hybrid phenotype and C. polyphlebia was observed. The hybrid phenotype possessed a higher abundance of beetles. Also moisture content (ANCOVA, F = 4.93, df = 2, p = 0.0083), the species of Cecropia (ANCOVA, F = 11.2, df = 1, p =0.001), and petiole length with Cecropia species (ANCOVA, F = 5.16, df = 1, p = 0.0244) had an influence on the abundance of beetles. The higher abundance of beetles in the hybrid phenotype could indicate differences in interspecific competition due to phenotypic traits of the Cecropia species. Differences in moisture content and petiole length between the two Cecropia species may reflect petiole preference and favorability of tree hosts. Furthermore, the higher abundance of beetles in the lower elevation hybrid phenotype could indicate that the majority of bark beetles may not be affected by climate change unlike many other species of animals and plants that are being severely impacted by the increasing temperatures.

Resumen

Este estudio se realizó en Monteverde, Costa Rica. Examinó la abundancia y la diversidad de los escarabajos de corteza entre Cecropia polyphlebia (1550 metros) en el Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde y un fenotipo intermedio en el Bajo del Tigre (1400 metros). También investigó el porcentaje de pecíolos colonizados, riqueza de especies, igualdad y la influencia de la humedad del pecíolo y la longitud de la abundancia y diversidad de escarabajos.

Keywords

Bark beetles--Behavior, Interspecific interactions, Climatic changes, CIEE Summer 2008

Palabras claves

Escarabajos de corteza--Comportamiento, Interacciones interespecíficas, Cambios climáticos, CIEE Verano 2008

Extent

9 pages

Geographic Location

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Costa Rica)

Ubicación geográfica

Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00475

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Gandhi, Sonali, "Patterns of petiole abundance and diversity in bark beetles (Scolytinae) of Cecropia trees in Monteverde, Costa Rica, August 2008" (2008). Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation. 251.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/251