Few keystone plant genera support the majority of Lepidoptera species

Desiree L. Narango; Douglas W. Tallamy; Kimberley J. Shropshire

doi:10.1038/s41467-020-19565-4

Nature Communications (Nov 2020)

Few keystone plant genera support the majority of Lepidoptera species

Desiree L. Narango,
Douglas W. Tallamy,
Kimberley J. Shropshire

Affiliations

Desiree L. Narango: Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware
Douglas W. Tallamy: Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware
Kimberley J. Shropshire: Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19565-4
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 1 – 8

Abstract

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Not all plants are equally able to support native insects. Here, the authors use data on interactions among >12,000 Lepidoptera species and >2000 plant genera across the United States, showing that few plant genera host the majority of Lepidoptera species; this information is used to suggest priorities for plant restoration.

Published in Nature Communications

ISSN: 2041-1723 (Online)
Publisher: Nature Portfolio
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science
Website: https://www.nature.com/ncomms/

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