Composition and abundance of lepidopteran larvae associated with Piper spp. (Piperales: Piperaceae) in the Mata de Santa Genebra, SP

Abstract

Herbivore insects along with their host plants account for more than half of all the known species richness. Insect-plant interactions are complex and essential in maintaining the dynamics of many ecological and evolutionary processes of natural communities. Among the phytophagous insects, Lepidoptera immatures (caterpillars) are frequent and often dominant in herbivore insect communities. However, the lack of empirical data, especially concerning herbivore insects communities structure, has challenged the understanding and the establishment of general patterns of specificity and richness. Thus, the main objectives of the present project are to assess the composition and abundance of caterpillars, along with a quantitative characterization of the herbivory in two species of Piper (Piperales: Piperaceae), a model genus for phytochemical, ecological and evolutionary studies. This study will be conducted at the "ARIE Mata de Santa Genebra" (Campinas, SP). Thirty individuals of P. amalago and 30 of P. sp2 will be arbitrarily chosen. Among these, 15 of each species are going to be used primarily to assess the composition and abundance of caterpillars, and the remaining 15 will be used for the herbivory quantifications. According to previous similar studies, the presence for the majority of the year of one dominant species, accounting for more than 30% of the individuals found, is expected. (AU)