| We studied the variability of pre-dispersal seed predation by insects on Austrocedrus chilensis (Cupressaceae). This is a dioecious conifer endemic to southern South America (central Chile and the Chilean Argentinean Patagonia) that grows naturally in pure and mixed stands, typically in association with broadleaved Nothofagus species. Seeds are attacked while still inside the cones, mainly by larvae of Nanodacna austrocedrella (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae). Our working hypothesis was that observed variations in pre-dispersal seed damage levels were related to forest stand composition, specifically to the relative abundance of A. chilensis versus accompanying Nothofagus species. We compared seed predation levels in six pairs of sites using a block design... |
