Impact of tree stand species diversity on the mortality of pupae of pine beauty (Panolis flammea Schiff.)and pine-hawk moth (Hyloicus pinastri L.) in the plant litter

Abstract

The goal of the study was to determine the mortality of pupae of Panolis flammea and Hyloicus pinastri caused by Micromammalia in pine tree stands and in deciduous tree and bush patches present in such tree stands. The pupae of P. flammea and H. pinastri were put in the forest plant litter. The observations were conducted in the period between 6th February 2015 and 12th March 2015 in eight tree and bush patches and in eight pine tree stands. It was shown that the number of insectivorous rodents is higher in small deciduous tree and bush patches than in the surrounding pine tree stands. The species composition of deciduous vegetation packets may not have significant impact on the numbers and feeding activity of small rodents damaging the pupae of pine beauty. Large pupae of pine-hawk month are more attractive for small rodents than smaller pupae of pine beauty.