Body size and trophic efficiency predict diversity-elevation relationships for Hymenoptera
Camber, Ben
Camber, Ben
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Abstract
Parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera) have been observed to have abnormally high diversity at high elevations and latitudes. I hypothesized Hymenoptera small body size and high trophic efficiency decouple their richness from the environmental energy budget. I surveyed solitary Hymenoptera at 94 sites 25-1350m.a.s.l. in Vermont. Hymenoptera richness decreased then increased with elevation. The slopes of individual lineages’ diversity-elevation relationships were negatively correlated with body size and positively with trophic efficiency. Large, inefficient taxa declined with elevation, while parasitoid diversity increased 975-1325m. These findings highlight the importance of physically small taxa in Hymenoptera surveys and how conserved traits can drive community assembly.
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Graduate
Date
2024-01-01