Artificial Light Increases Local Predator Abundance, Predation Rates, and Herbivory
Marshall S Mcmunn1,2, Louie H Yang1, Amy Ansalmo2
1Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA.
Environmental Entomology
|December 3, 2019
Summary
Artificial light at night (ALAN) significantly increases arthropod abundance and diversity. This study reveals ALAN enhances predation and herbivory rates in open field conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing globally.
- ALAN affects organism development, behavior, and physiology.
- Previous studies on ALAN effects were limited in scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the community-level effects of ALAN in an open field.
- To assess ALAN's impact on arthropod communities, plant traits, herbivory, and predation.
Main Methods:
- Conducted an open field study comparing ALAN conditions to unlit controls.
- Monitored arthropod abundance, community composition, plant traits, herbivory, and predation rates.
Main Results:
- ALAN increased overall arthropod abundance by 159% due to positive phototaxis.
- Arthropod communities under ALAN were more diverse with a higher proportion of predators.
- Predation rates were 3.6 times higher under ALAN, and herbivory increased by 6%.
Conclusions:
- Open field studies are crucial for understanding ALAN's community-level impacts.
- ALAN significantly alters arthropod behavior, community structure, and ecological interactions.
- ALAN influences predator-prey dynamics and herbivory rates.
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