Subtle structures with not-so-subtle functions: A data set of arthropod constructs and their host plants

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Community Ecology
• Ecosystem Engineering

Background:

• Arthropod shelters on plants, such as leaf ties, tents, and galls, influence community dynamics.
• These structures offer protection to engineers and affect secondary occupants.
• The role of host plant traits in mediating arthropod shelter construction has been underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and analyze a comprehensive dataset of arthropod-built plant structures.
• To investigate the impact of these structures on terrestrial arthropod community organization.
• To highlight the significance of ecosystem engineering by arthropods.

Main Methods:

• Compiled over 1000 published records of arthropod-built plant structures (1932-2021).
• Included data on host plants, engineers, construct types, and inquilines.
• Data spanned diverse global ecosystems and included natural and artificial structures.

Main Results:

• The dataset documents the widespread nature of arthropod ecosystem engineering via plant structures.
• These structures significantly influence community richness, composition, and functionality.
• Inquilines (secondary occupants) utilize these engineered habitats.

Conclusions:

• Arthropod-created shelters are crucial for organizing terrestrial arthropod communities.
• This dataset facilitates further research on ecosystem engineering and facilitation.
• Understanding plant traits' influence on shelter construction is key to community ecology.