The Effects of Elevation on Herbivorous Insect Communities and the Host Plant Boechera stricta.

Abstract

Changes in elevation have strong influences on the taxonomic richness and population densities of terrestrial ecosystems (Hawkins et. al, 2013, McCain and Grytnes 2010, Rahbek 1995). These gradients are caused by changes in precipitation, temperature, and several other key environmental factors associated with altitude (Hawkins et. al, 2013, McCain and Grytnes 2010). Floral and faunal species exhibit divergence in traits across their elevational ranges, adapting to different selective pressures and environments (Hodkinson 2005, Prasad et. al, 2012). One such species is the mustard plant Boechera Stricta (Brassicaceae), whose low source elevation genotypes exhibit greater resistance to herbivores than their higher elevation counterparts (Anderson, in preparation, Prasad et. al, 2012). In this study, we examined the effects of altitude on insect communities and their modulation with the host plant Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae) across an elevational gradient. We hypothesized decreases in insect biodiversity and density with increased altitude. To test this, we sampled insect communities in common gardens of B. Stricta at varying altitudes. Presently, we have not yet completed our statistical analyses, largely due to a lack of statistical power. We discuss methods to be used in future studies of this nature which will produce more robust data sets.

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