Microhabitat traits and herbivory of Calodesma collaris (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) affect the establishment of Vriesea incurvata (Bromeliaceae) plants translocated to the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil

Author(s)

Sasamori, Marcio Hisayuki ; Endres Junior, Delio ; do Amaral, Silvana Vargas ; Moraes, Simeao ; Droste, Annette

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Australian Journal of Botany; v. 73, n. 4, p. 13-pg., 2025-01-01.

Abstract

Context Epiphytic tank bromeliads are a key functional group in Neotropical forests. Yet, they remain under-utilised in environmental restoration efforts. Limited knowledge suggests herbivores are not highly lethal, although they do impact plant establishment of translocated populations. Aims To assess survival and development of micropropagated Vriesea incurvata (Bromeliaceae) translocated to two micro-environments: (1) gallery forest (GF); and (2) forest interior (FI) under the influence of herbivory in the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Methods Plants were translocated to phorophytes (3.5-4.0 m) in the GF environment and in the FI environment (76 plants per microhabitat) and monitored for 2 years. Herbivory on leaves, survival and morphometric traits were compared between herbivore-damaged and undamaged plants in the GF and FI environments. Abiotic variables were measured in each microhabitat. Key results Herbivory reduced plant survival in the FI environment (P = 0.039) and, together with low luminosity, was negatively associated with leaf number (LN, P < 0.001). All plants survived in the GF environment. In this microhabitat, herbivory was negatively associated with the length of the longest leaf and foliar rosette diameter (LLL/FRD, P < 0.001), while luminosity was positively related with FRD (P = 0.009) and number of leaves (LN) (P = 0.026). We reported for the first time Calodesma collaris larvae feeding on V. incurvata. Conclusions V. incurvata grows preferentially in the GF environment and serves as food for animals such as moths. Implications Herbivore pressure constitutes a key biotic factor affecting the translocated V. incurvata plants. Together with luminosity, herbivory plays a major role in explaining the observed survival and development patterns. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/02524-3 - Exploring the evolutionary history of lichen moths through an integrated approach (Lepidoptera: Lithosiini)
• Grantee: Simeão de Souza Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/13856-2 - Exploring the evolutionary history of lichen moths through an integrated approach (Lepidoptera: Lithosiini)
• Grantee: Simeão de Souza Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers