Leaf production of an overstorey rainforest tree and its effects on the temporal distribution of associated insect herbivores

Summary

The host phenology and temporal distribution of insect herbivores associated with a rainforest canopy tree, Argyrodendron actinophyllum (Sterculiaceae), were monitored for 3 and 2 years respectively in an Australian subtropical rain forest near Brisbane. Leaf production of this evergreen species was synchronous among individuals, occurring from October to February, but differed markedly between years for some fast-growing trees. Most herbivore species fed selectively upon young leaves and, consequently, occurred only during “windows” of young foliage availability, with the exception of some mesophyll-feeders that preferred mature foliage. Fast-growing trees sustained high herbivore activity during periods of intense leaf production but some slow-growing trees, whose availability of young foliage appeared to be more constant and predictable, also supported high herbivore activity in the long term. Host suitability of particular trees during study years was dependent upon the intensity of leaf production and other unidentified factors, and was different for generalist and specialist herbiovores. Certain specialist species, such as psyllids, were able to overcome the changing availability of young foliage between years on vigorous A. actinophyllum trees by feeding upon both vegetative and reproductive meristems. Most of the data suggest that availability of young foliage is an important factor in this insect-plant system.