Multi-dimensionality of tree communities structure host-parasitoid networks and their phylogenetic composition

Abstract

Environmental factors can influence ecological networks, but these effects are poorly understood in the realm of the phylogeny of host-parasitoid interactions. Especially, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the ways that biotic factors, including plant diversity, tree identity, genetic diversity, overall community composition of higher trophic levels, and abiotic factors such as microclimate, interact to determine host–parasitoid network structure and host–parasitoid community dynamics. To address this, we leveraged a five-year dataset of trap-nesting bees and wasps and their parasitoids collected in a highly-controlled, large-scale subtropical tree biodiversity experiment. We tested for effects of tree species richness, tree phylogenetic and functional diversity, and taxonomic and phylogenetic composition on taxonomic, phylogenetic, and network composition of both host and parasitoid communities. We show that multiple components of tree diversity, tree composition, and canopy cover impacted both, taxonomic and phylogenetic composition of hosts and parasitoids. Generally, top-down control was stronger than bottom-up control via phylogenetic association between hosts and parasitoids, reflecting non-randomly structured interactions between phylogenetic trees of hosts and parasitoids. Further, host-parasitoid network structure was influenced by tree species richness, tree phylogenetic diversity, and canopy cover. Our study indicates that the composition of higher trophic levels and corresponding interaction networks are determined by habitat structure and heterogeneity, which is maintained by trees and especially via phylogenetic links in species-rich ecosystems.