The predation of predispersed Juncus squarrosus seeds by Coleophora alticolella (Lepidoptera) larvae over a range of altitudes in northern England

Abstract

Seed production by the rush Juncus squarrosus and its subsequent predation by the larvae of the moth Coleophora alticolella were measured at a series of sites at different altitudes in northern England. The density of seeds produced is progressively reduced with increasing altitude. The density of larvae was greatest in the middle region of the transect. Seed predation was therefore highest at about 300 m. Predation was reduced to nil above 520 m, where the larvae were absent, but remained between 40 and 50% below 250 m. The density of predispersed seed surviving was greatest at the lowest site where the highest density of seeds was produced and predation was moderate. The lowest densities of surviving seeds were found around 300 m and also above 600 m where there was no predation but few seeds were produced. A similar density survived around 520 m as at 245 m, although the density of seed produced at 520 m was less than 30% of that at 245 m. The results are discussed in relation to the population dynamics of the moth in different parts of its altitudinal distribution.