Comparison of Herbivore Insect Communities of Heracleum sphondylium and H mantegazzianum in Switzerland (Spermatophyta: Apiaceae)

Abstract

The invertebrate herbivore communities of Heracleum sphondylium, native to Switzerland and Western Europe, and of H mantegazzianum, an introduced invasive weed originating from the Caucasus, were compared at several locations in Bern, Switzerland. The aim of this study was a comparative description of the native fauna of both plants, and an evaluation of that of the native weed for potential species for biological control of the invasive weed. A total of 42 phytophagous arthropod species was found, 34 on Hsphondylium and 34 on H mantegazzianum. The arthropod guilds of 26 phytophagous species being common to both plant species were very similar. Nine species (2 mirid bugs, 1 cicadellid, 2 aphids, 1 curculionid beetle, 1 oecophorid moth, 2 agromyzid flies) were specific to Apiaceae, the remaining species were polyphagous. The herbivores attacking above-ground organs did not have a major impact on the growth of H mantegazzianum. The weevil Liophloeus tessulatus, however, causes root damage and deserves further investigations as a potential biological control species.