REU: Influence of Local Landscape Structure on the Distribution, Abundance and Movement of Insects

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An understanding of the influence of local landscape structure on insect population dynamics is critically needed to address questions concerning agro-ecosytem re-design. An in depth examination of specific alfalfa herbivores and predators in a diverse ecological-agricultural landscape is proposed. A Geographic Information System (GIS) will be employed as the principal analytical tool in establishing relationships between landscape complexity and insects. The following objectives are proposed: characterize local ecosytems wide distribution of predaceous coccinellids, aphid prey and leafhopper migrants as colonization of alfalfa begins; quantify microclimate factors which influence insect development in and dispersal from over- wintering sites to spring habitats; measure and determine the effect of landscape structural diversity on initial colonization of alfalfa by insect predators and pests, and the recolonization of alfalfa following disturbance associated with alfalfa cutting and harvest. These results will be used in a GIS assessment of landscape effects on insect dynamics. This research will provide essential information on predator/prey dynamics across landscapes.