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Arnold MB, Back M, Crowell MD, Farooq N, Ghimire P, Obarein OA, Smart KE, Taucher T, VanderJeugdt E, Perry KI, Landis DA, Bahlai CA. Coexistence between similar invaders: The case of two cosmopolitan exotic insects. Ecology 2023; 104:e3979. [PMID: 36691998 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions are usually examined in the context of their impacts on native species. However, few studies have examined the dynamics between invaders when multiple exotic species successfully coexist in a novel environment. Yet, long-term coexistence of now established exotic species has been observed in North American lady beetle communities. Exotic lady beetles Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata were introduced for biological control in agricultural systems and have since become dominant species within these communities. In this study, we investigated coexistence via spatial and temporal niche partitioning among H. axyridis and C. septempunctata using a 31-year data set from southwestern Michigan, USA. We found evidence of long-term coexistence through a combination of small-scale environmental, habitat, and seasonal mechanisms. Across years, H. axyridis and C. septempunctata experienced patterns of cyclical dominance likely related to yearly variation in temperature and precipitation. Within years, populations of C. septempunctata peaked early in the growing season at 550 degree days, while H. axyridis populations grew in the season until 1250 degree days and continued to have high activity after this point. C. septempunctata was generally most abundant in herbaceous crops, whereas H. axyridis did not display strong habitat preferences. These findings suggest that within this region H. axyridis has broader habitat and abiotic environmental preferences, whereas C. septempunctata thrives under more specific ecological conditions. These ecological differences have contributed to the continued coexistence of these two invaders. Understanding the mechanisms that allow for the coexistence of dominant exotic species contributes to native biodiversity conservation management of invaded ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Arnold
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Back
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nageen Farooq
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Prashant Ghimire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Omon A Obarein
- Department of Geography, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Kyle E Smart
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Trixie Taucher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Erin VanderJeugdt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Kayla I Perry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Douglas A Landis
- Department of Entomology, and Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Christie A Bahlai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA.,Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, Hickory Corners, Michigan, USA
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McCluney KE. Implications of animal water balance for terrestrial food webs. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 23:13-21. [PMID: 29129277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has documented shifts in per capita trophic interactions and food webs in response to changes in environmental moisture, from the top-down (consumers to plants), rather than solely bottom-up (plants to consumers). These responses may be predictable from effects of physiological, behavioral, and ecological traits on animal water balance, although predictions could be modified by energy or nutrient requirements, the risk of predation, population-level responses, and bottom-up effects. Relatively little work has explicitly explored food web effects of changes in animal water balance, despite the likelihood of widespread relevance, including during periodic droughts in mesic locations, where taxa may lack adaptations for water conservation. More research is needed, particularly in light of climate change and hydrological alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E McCluney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, United States.
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