Investigating a multitrophic interaction involving scale insects, (Stigmacoccus garmilleri; Hemiptera: Margarodidae), oak trees (Quercus spp.), and birds in Veracruz, Mexico

Authors

Heather Gamper, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Suzanne Koptur

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Alice Clarke

Third Advisor's Name

José G. Garcia Franco

Fourth Advisor's Name

Maureen Donnelly

Date of Defense

7-22-2004

Abstract

Honeydew, a sugar solution produced as waste by phloem-feeding insects, is a prized food for many species of ants. A honeydew-producing scale insect (Stigmacoccus garmilleri) is associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.) in highland forests of Mexico. Honeydew produced by this species is sufficient to provide nourishment for birds. Birds, particularly Audubon’s Warblers (Dendroica coronata audubonii), aggressively compete for honeydew. Scale insect densities on tree trunks were greatest in pasture trees followed by trees at the forest edge and forest trees. Sugar concentrations of honeydew appeared to be positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with relative humidity. Ants involved in interactions with scale insects protect the host plant by reducing the number of herbivorous insects on the host plant. My results suggest that when birds are excluded from feeding on leaf dwelling insects, the tree suffers greater leaf loss similar to findings from ant exclusion studies with scale insects.

Identifier

FI15101487

Recommended Citation

Gamper, Heather, "Investigating a multitrophic interaction involving scale insects, (Stigmacoccus garmilleri; Hemiptera: Margarodidae), oak trees (Quercus spp.), and birds in Veracruz, Mexico" (2004). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3604.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3604