Effects of local climate, landscape structure and habitat quality on leafhopper assemblages of acidic grasslands

Helbing, Felix; Fartmann, Thomas; Löffler, Franz; Poniatowski, Dominik

doi:10.1016/j.agee.2017.05.024

Cited by 28 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Although we have found that urban green spaces and especially unmown meadow spots in old meadows were habitat to a considerable number of Auchenorrhyncha, these numbers are much lower than those of optimal rural Auchenorrhyncha habitats, which can reach several 1000 individuals/m 2 in suitable habitats [116]. Our finding that plot size and distance to the city boundary have not influenced Auchenorrhyncha numbers is consistent with other studies showing that many Auchenorrhyncha species can persist in small habitat patches [117], but it seems nevertheless possible that larger areas of meadow vegetation are needed to ensure optimal habitat heterogeneity [118], especially for populations of some specialized Auchenorrhyncha species [119]. As shown by the differences in Auchenorrhyncha density between young meadows in the year of establishment and one year later-and meadows five years and older, it seems plausible to consider urban meadows to develop growing Auchenorrhyncha populations over time.…”

Section: Specific Determinants Of Arthropod Abundancesupporting

confidence: 90%

Flower power in the city: Replacing roadside shrubs by wildflower meadows increases insect numbers and reduces maintenance costs

et al. 2020

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Massive declines in insect biodiversity and biomass are reported from many regions and habitats. In urban areas, creation of native wildflower meadows is one option to support insects and reduce maintenance costs of urban green spaces. However, benefits for insect conservation may depend on previous land use, and the size and location of new wildflower meadows. We show effects of conversion of roadside plantings-from exotic shrubs into wildflower meadows-on (1) the abundance of 13 arthropod taxa-Opiliones,

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Section: Specific Determinants Of Arthropod Abundancesupporting

confidence: 90%

Flower power in the city: Replacing roadside shrubs by wildflower meadows increases insect numbers and reduces maintenance costs

et al. 2020

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“…Besides the presence of the host plants, several other environmental factors may explain the occurrence of leafhopper species. Therefore, the vegetation structure and the interlinked microclimate are of prime importance (Biedermann et al ., ; Helbing et al ., ). Many dry grassland habitat specialists, such as Goniagnathus brevis and Hephatus nanus , are xerothermophilous and avoid grasslands with tall and dense vegetation (cf.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…This development will not only result in a loss of plant species, but also contribute to the decline in the biodiversity of primary consumers such as leafhoppers and other arthropods (cf. Pryke et al ., ; Helbing et al ., ; Löffler & Fartmann, ). Due to the strong impact of land use on plant and insect diversity (Marini et al ., ; Bazelet & Samways, ; Littlewood et al ., ; van Klink et al ., ), the management of the Bromus stands should be carefully handled.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The invasion of Bromus erectus alters species diversity of vascular plants and leafhoppers in calcareous grasslands

Poniatowski

Hertenstein²,

Raude³

et al. 2018

Insect Conserv Diversity

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1. The most common mechanism of biological invasions is an increase in competition, which usually results in the loss of biodiversity. The invasion of Bromus erectus (Syn. Bromopsis erecta) in calcareous grasslands of western and central Europe is well-documented. Although, it is largely unknown to what extent this development affects biodiversity.2. In this study, we analysed the effects of B. erectus invasion on vascular plant and leafhopper assemblages of calcareous grasslands. At each of the 15 randomly selected sites, we compared one plot with stands of Bromus (presence) and one without (absence) (paired sampling design).3. The invasion of B. erectus affected vegetation structure as well as vascular plant and leafhopper assemblages. Despite similar abiotic site characteristics, Bromus plots had a higher turf height, vegetation density, and litter cover. Additionally, we recorded a much lower species richness in Bromus plots than in absence plots in all analysed groups of vascular plants. A similar pattern was found for leafhoppers. Absence plots exhibited a higher species richness of habitat and diet specialists than Bromus plots. The overall abundance of all leafhopper species was highest in presence plots, whereas that of diet specialists peaked in absence plots.4. We conclude that the ongoing invasion of B. erectus will lead to a strong structural homogenisation with negative effects on plant and insect diversity. One possible management tool might be a goal-driven rough grazing with sheep especially in spring when B. erectus is much more palatable than in summer and autumn.

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“…After the storage periods, each sample was poured into a bucket. All individuals that moved very actively and tried to escape were collected using a suction exhauster (Figure 1C), killed, and counted in the laboratory; similar to the methods applied by Bucher et al (2016) and Helbing et al (2017). The remaining individuals were counted on‐site and released afterwards.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Suction samplers are a valuable tool to obtain seeds for translocation in restoration projects (Zerbe & Wiegleb, 2009). Moreover, the use of a suction sampler with a fine‐gauze collection bag on the inside of the inlet nozzle is well suited to sample arthropods (e.g., Eschen et al, 2012; Trivellone et al, 2012; Helbing et al, 2017). This sampling technique has the advantage that it enables the collection of large numbers of individuals without much effort (Standen, 2000; Stewart, 2002; Brook et al, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suction samplers are a valuable tool to sample arthropod assemblages for conservation translocation

Helbing¹,

Fartmann

Poniatowski³

2020

Entomologia Exp Applicata

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An important component of recent nature conservation is the ecological restoration of semi-natural grasslands. The aim of such projects is usually the restoration of typical plant communities; translocation of animals, by contrast, plays only a minor role. This is based on the assumption that a recovery of the flora will lead to recovered fauna; however, this is not always the case. Suction samplers with gauze collection bags are well suited to sample arthropods, and they may also be helpful for transferring animals. However, to date, the suitability of suction samplers as a translocation tool is unclear due to a lack of empirical data on the mortality rate of the sampled arthropod taxa. In this study, we sampled arthropods (leafhoppers, spiders, beetles, and true bugs) with a suction sampler on 21 calcareous grasslands. Immediately after sampling, animals were stored in collection bags and their mortality rate was determined. We compared storage periods (1, 2, and 3 h) and tested the suitability of a cool box to reduce mortality rates. Our study revealed that arthropod mortality was generally low (9% of all sampled individuals); however, the survival rate was affected by (1) storage time, (2) storage conditions, and (3) arthropod group. The mortality of beetles and true bugs was very low and not influenced by storage time or storage conditions. In contrast, leafhoppers and spiders had higher mortality, which increased with storage time and decreased by the use of a cool box. According to our results, suction samplers can be a valuable tool to sample arthropod assemblages for conservation translocation. In order to reduce mortality in sensitive groups such as leafhoppers and spiders, the storage process can be optimised. We thus recommend (1) using a cool box and (2) minimising the period until release of the collected arthropods at the restored site.

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Effects of local climate, landscape structure and habitat quality on leafhopper assemblages of acidic grasslands

Cited by 28 publications

References 43 publications

Flower power in the city: Replacing roadside shrubs by wildflower meadows increases insect numbers and reduces maintenance costs

Flower power in the city: Replacing roadside shrubs by wildflower meadows increases insect numbers and reduces maintenance costs

The invasion of Bromus erectus alters species diversity of vascular plants and leafhoppers in calcareous grasslands

Suction samplers are a valuable tool to sample arthropod assemblages for conservation translocation

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