Abstract
The two islands in the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward archipelago are only 22 km apart and are similar in age, geology, physiognomy and climate, yet their insect faunas show both qualitative and quantitative differences. During three visits in 1983 and 1984, the insect fauna of Prince Edward Island was sampled to compare with that of a survey carried out over one year on Marion Island. Two species of weevil (Curculionidae), previously known only from Marion, were recorded on Prince Edward for the first time. The biomass of two major groups of invertebrate decomposers (Lepidoptera and Curculionidae larvae) was significantly higher in heavily manured plant communities on Prince Edward than on Marion. Possible reasons for these quantitative differences are discussed. Although differences in species assemblage play a role, it is concluded that the effects of human influence on Marion Island may be paramount.
Published Version
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