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Pacific Southwest Research Station |
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Pacific Southwest
Research Station 1731 Research Park Dr. Davis, CA 95618 (530) 759-1700 |
Publications and ProductsResearch PaperTitle: Ecology of insects in California chaparral Author: Force, Don C. Date: 1990 Source: Res. Pap. PSW-RP-201. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 5 p Station ID: RP-PSW-201 Description: Studies stimulated by the International Biological Program showed total insect faunal biomass and diversity to be greatest in the spring of the year, which matches increased plant growth and flowering at this time. Ground-inhabiting beetle studies indicated the family Tenebrionidae to be overwhelmingly dominant in biomass, but the family Staphylinidae to be richest in species numbers. Ant studies showed the chaparral community to be rich in ant species; seed gatherers were particularly important. Flower-visiting insects are more abundant and more species-rich in chaparral than in any other type of California vegetation. Bees especially are abundant and diversified and are responsible for most pollination. Postfire succession studies of insects indicate that the abundance of predators and flower visitors sharply increases following fire; parasitic and phytophagous insects (other than flower-visitors) increase more slowly. Insect herbivory appears to affect succession minimally. Key Words: biomass, chaparral, diversity, ecology, insects, California View and Print this Publication (465 KB) Citation Force, Don C. 1990. Ecology of insects in California chaparral Res. Pap. PSW-RP-201. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 5 p. |
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