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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
Natural regulation of herbivorous forest insect populations
A A Berryman1, N Chr Stenseth2, A S Isaev3
1Department of Entomology, Washington State University Pullman, 99164-6432, WA, USA.
Abstract:
From basic principles of positive/negative feedback control and classical density-dependent/independent population theory we outline a general explanation for the regulation of herbivore populations in forested ecosystems. We identify three fundamental patterns of behavior; (i) populations regulated close to equilibrium ("tight" regulation) by fast-acting negative feedback processes, (ii) populations regulated by delayed negative feedback processes ("loose" regulation) which often exhibit wide-amplitude density cycles, and (iii) populations characterized by positive feedback processes over certain density ranges that may exhibit divergent (metastable) behavior. We then discuss the effects of these different kinds of herbivore population behavior on the dynamics of forest ecosystems and explore some elemental models of herbivore/forest interactions. Finally, using the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, as an example, we demonstrate how the theory can be used to explain the dynamics of specific herbivore populations and to develop general strategies for managing destructive herbivore outbreaks.
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