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Modelling the dynamic spatio‐temporal response of predators to transient prey patches in the field
Author(s) -
Winder Linton,
Alexander Colin J.,
Holland John M.,
Woolley Chris,
Perry Joe N.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1461-0248.2001.00269.x
Subject(s) - sitobion avenae , generalist and specialist species , predation , biology , ecology , predator , spatial ecology , aphid , temporal scales , population , metapopulation , functional response , spatial heterogeneity , common spatial pattern , aphididae , pest analysis , habitat , homoptera , agronomy , biological dispersal , botany , demography , sociology
The spatio‐temporal dynamics of two aphid species ( Metopolophium dirhodum and Sitobion avenae ) and a generalist predator ( Pterostichus melanarius ) were observed in a field‐scale study using a grid of 256 sampling locations with a 12‐m spacing. Using Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices we demonstrate that populations show ephemeral spatial pattern at the field scale. We observed a positive, lagged beetle response to this aphid pattern; conversely, the aphids displayed a negative, lagged response to beetle spatial pattern. Examination of the local structure of the spatio‐temporal dynamics revealed a strong response by the beetle population to aphid patches. The temporal structure of spatial associations between the species shows a strong correspondence with those from a conceptual model of predator–prey spatial interaction. The spatially coupled dynamics were sufficiently strong for the predator to have a negative effect on the intrinsic rate of increase of their prey.