The Hemiptera of two sown calcareous grasslands. I. Colonization and early succession.

Published online
21 Sep 1990
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2404287

Author(s)
Morris, M. G.

Publication language
English
Location
UK

Abstract

In field studies in the UK in 1973-75, Hemiptera were sampled from 2 contrasting grasslands sown in April 1973 on a chalk soil which had previously grown cereals. Pitfall traps were used for sampling 4 months after sowing, and vacuum nets late in 1973 and throughout 1974 and 1975. The first colonists included typical opportunistic leafhoppers [cicadellids], 17 species being recorded in 1973. The Heteroptera were varied and included many species not characteristic of calcareous grassland. The most abundant Heteroptera during the whole sampling period were Nabis ferus, Notostira elongata, Trigonotylus ruficornis and Lygus rugulipennis. The last species declined in abundance from 1973 to 1975 and was not a typical grassland species. The most numerous Auchenorrhyncha were Arthaldeus pascuellus [Sorhoanus pascuellus], which accounted for nearly half the individuals recorded, Javesella pellucida, Psammotettix cephalotes, Cicadula persimilis and Zyginidia scutellaris. S. pascuellus, J. pellucida and 3 other species declined in abundance from 1974 to 1975. Although 50 species of Auchenorrhyncha and 40 of Heteroptera were recorded, many occurred as single specimens and equitability of both faunas was low. More species of Auchenorrhyncha were recorded in 1975 than in 1974 and diversity of the faunal samples was consistently higher. Similar trends were not noted in the Heteroptera. The results are discussed with reference to the establishment and management of species-rich grasslands for nature conservation.

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