How do lepidopteran seasonal guilds differ on some oaks (Quercus spp.) – A case study

Abstract

The differences between oak lepidopteran communities were studied in Slovakia in 1993 and 1994. Sampling was undertaken between April and October on 3 oak species (<I>Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. rubra</I>). Biological traits of larvae were examined in order to explain differences in seasonal guilds among oaks. Communities varied in structure and abundance. Species richness in four seasonal guilds (flush, late spring, summer and autumn feeders) had a similar pattern on each of the studied oak species. The guild of flush feeders had the richest species assemblage, followed by the late spring feeder guild and both guilds were significantly richer than the summer feeder guild and autumn feeder guild.