Trophic Interactions of Caterpillars in the Seasonal Environment of the Brazilian Cerrado and Their Importance in the Face of Climate Change

Abstract

Cerrado is a Brazilian savanna phytogeographic domain with a seasonal climate defined by severe rainy and dry seasons. In this study, we present some insights on caterpillar interactions based on more than 25 years of studies conducted in this biome. Few caterpillar species and unique interactions are present throughout the year, as most species are restricted to one particular season, with high temporal turnover in species composition and trophic interactions. The first half of the dry season is characterized by highest caterpillar abundance and species richness, and a high diversity of interactions. The late dry season presents fewest tritrophic interactions reflecting the low caterpillar and parasitoid abundance and species richness. Thus, future climate scenarios, including increasing incidence of fire and extreme drought events in the Cerrado, are predicted to worsen the climatic conditions for caterpillars and their tritrophic interactions, especially in the late dry season, when these interaction networks are less diverse and more specialized, forming networks with less stability, making them more vulnerable to environmental perturbations.KeywordsCircular analysisDiet breadthDiversity of interactionsDry seasonEcological networksFolivorous caterpillarsHerbivoryHerbivorous insectsHost plantsLepidopteraPhenologyParasitoidsSeasonalityShelter building