Epiphyte Mats Research Articles

Interactions between epiphytes during canopy soil formation: an experiment in a lower montane cloud forest of southeast Mexico.

In several montane forests around the world, epiphytes coexist in mats, sharing the rhizosphere and forming histosol-type soils rich in nutrients. The role of these epiphytes in the formation of canopy soil and the fitness costs that epiphytes face when cohabiting in these mats are unknown. In a lower montane cloud forest in central Veracruz, Mexico, a 2-year factorial experiment was carried out with the presence/absence of ramets of Phlebodium areolatum (Polypodiaceae), Tillandsia kirchhoffiana, T. multicaulis and T. punctulata (Bromeliaceae). We examined (i) which epiphyte species contribute to the formation of canopy soil, (ii) the role of epiphyte composition in the soil nutrient composition, and (iii) the fitness costs faced by epiphytes when cohabiting. Canopy soil formation highest when P. areolatum is present. Soil nutrient content does not change with epiphyte composition, is influenced by the microbiota, and P content decreases with the presence of epiphytes. The fitness costs show that the species compete, decreasing their survival and growth, but the competitive capacity differs between the species. We conclude that P. areolatum is an ecosystem engineer that promotes the creation of canopy soil but is a poor competitor. The results coincide with the model of succession by facilitation. Canopy soil is a slow-created component whose nutrient content does not depend on the epiphytic flora. In epiphyte mats, the dominant interactions are competitive, but there is also facilitation.

Recognizing novel cyanobacterial diversity in marine benthic mats, with the description of Sirenicapillariaceae fam. nov., two new genera, Sirenicapillaria gen. nov. and Tigrinifilum gen. nov., and seven new species

ABSTRACT Marine benthic proliferations are increasing in occurrence, range and duration by way of anthropogenic nutrient loading and climate change. The spread of these cyanobacteria within a variety of regions has made it fundamental to recognize the diversity and the species involved in these blooms. To expand knowledge on marine cyanobacterial diversity and reveal their phylogenetic relationships, sampling and isolation of benthic proliferative events from underexplored regions were conducted in the USA (Florida) and France (Loire-Atlantique). Cyanobacteria were described with the polyphasic approach using morphology, 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, 16S–23S rRNA ITS secondary structures and pairwise distances. Sampling of marine cyanobacteria from seagrasses, lagoons and marine coastal waters from nine Florida localities, in addition to Florida freshwater canals and French salt flats, revealed floating, epipsammic and epiphytic mats. A total of 30 cyanobacteria were isolated of which 21 represented two novel genera, Sirenicapillaria and Tigrinifilum. Sirenicapillaria is a genus that is found in massive benthic blooms throughout the western and southern Florida Coast.

Spatial relationships between spiders and their host vascular epiphytes within shade trees in a Mexican coffee plantation

AbstractWithin tree canopies, vascular epiphytes create habitats for other taxa, and their heterogeneous spatial distribution could affect the distribution of organisms associated with them, such as spiders. This study was performed in shade trees of a rustic coffee plantation located within a Tropical Cloud Forest region of Mexico. We used a spatially explicit approach to examine (1) if the richness and abundance of epiphyte‐dwelling spiders have a positive association with epiphyte abundance within trees and (2) if spiders (richness and abundance) show the same patterns of spatial distribution as the epiphytic habitat. We found that spiders were distributed on gradients of the same type as their host epiphytes. These gradients were a decrease from the center toward the edges of the tree and a decrease from the base of the trunk toward the canopy. Spiders also had aggregation patches with similar dimensions to those exhibited by their host epiphytes. Those spiders' patches were fully explained when their epiphytic habitat was also aggregated within trees. Spatial models suggested that epiphytes and spiders were also spatially structured at scales larger than a tree and smaller than an epiphyte mat. Our findings demonstrate that the spatial distribution of epiphyte‐dwelling spider communities, may partly be explained by the distribution patterns of their host plants. However, other environmental and biotic factors, not associated with epiphyte communities, are likely to be responsible for the remaining spatial patterns of spider distribution.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Epiphyte associations and canopy soil volume: nutrient capital and factors influencing soil retention in the canopy.

Canopy soil (CS) volume reflect epiphyte community maturity, but little is known about the factors that retain CS or species succession within it. Humus fern species (e.g. Phlebodium areolatum) appear capable of retaining CS. In ten Quercus spp. we sampled 987 epiphyte mats to examine the role of the common epiphyte species and crown traits determining CS volume, in order to infer successional stages and identify pioneer and late successional species. Branch traits (height, diameter and slope), CS volume and cover of the epiphyte species were determined for each mat. Nutrient content was determined in CS random samples of 12 epiphyte associations and sizes (one sample from each size quintile). A total of 60% of the mats lack CS. Cover of P.areolatum was the main variable explaining CS volume, and this species was present in 46.8% of those with CS. Epiphyte composition was highly variable, but pioneer (species appearing in monospecific mats, without CS) and late successional species could be identified. Canopy soil nutrient content was similar among the associations of epiphytes. Magnesium, Ca and pH decreased with CS volume, while P and N increased. Phlebodium areolatum is associated with high CS volumes and could act as a key species in its retention. Monospecific mats of pioneer species lack CS or have low volumes, while CS is much higher in mats with late successional species, but the mechanisms of CS formation and nutrient retention in response to interactions between epiphyte species remain to be tested.

When facilitation meets clonal integration in forest canopies.

Few studies have explored how - within the same system - clonality and positive plant-plant interactions might interact to regulate plant community composition. Canopy-dwelling epiphytes in species-rich forests provide an ideal system for studying this because many epiphytic vascular plants undertake clonal growth and because vascular epiphytes colonize canopy habitats after the formation of nonvascular epiphyte (i.e. bryophyte and lichen) mats. We investigated how clonal integration of seven dominant vascular epiphytes influenced inter-specific interactions between vascular epiphytes and nonvascular epiphytes in a subtropical montane moist forest in southwest China. Both clonal integration and environmental buffering from nonvascular epiphytes increased survival and growth of vascular epiphytes. The benefits of clonal integration for vascular epiphytes were higher when nonvascular epiphytes were removed. Similarly, facilitation from nonvascular epiphytes played a more important role when clonal integration of vascular epiphytes was eliminated. Overall, clonal integration had greater benefits than inter-specific facilitation. This study provides novel evidence for interactive effects of clonality and facilitation between vascular and nonvascular species, and has implications for our understanding of a wide range of ecosystems where both high levels of clonality and facilitation are expected to occur.

Dispersal and nutrient limitations of decomposition above the forest floor: Evidence from experimental manipulations of epiphytes and macronutrients

AbstractDecomposition is a major component of global carbon cycling. However, approximately 50% of wood necromass and a small proportion of leaf litter do not contact the forest floor, and the factors that regulate the decomposition above the forest floor are largely untested. We hypothesized that separation from soil resources causes slower decomposition rates above the forest floor. Specifically, we tested whether slower decomposition results from decreased nutrient availability (the nutrient limitation hypothesis) and/or microbial dispersal limitation (the dispersal limitation hypothesis) in the absence of soil resources.We tested these hypotheses by combining experimental manipulations of epiphytes and macronutrient fertilization with elemental analyses and community metabarcoding (fungi and prokaryotes). Specifically, we compared wood stick and cellulose decomposition among three treatments: an unaltered trunk section, an epiphyte mat, and a ‘removal treatment’ where an epiphyte mat was removed to test the effect of soil resources. We also performed a factorial fertilization experiment to test the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on the decomposition of suspended cellulose.Decomposition rates were fastest on the epiphyte mats, intermediate in the removal treatment and slowest in the controls. Phosphorus addition increased decomposition rates in the fertilization experiment, and greater P concentrations, along with some micronutrients, were associated with increased rates of decomposition on the epiphyte mats and in the removal treatments. Locally dispersed fungi dominated the wood stick communities, indicating that fungal dispersal is limited in the canopy, and fungal saprotrophs were associated with increased rates of decomposition on the epiphytes.These experiments show that slowed decomposition above the forest floor is caused, in part, by separation from soil resources. Moreover, our findings provide support for both the nutrient limitation and dispersal limitation hypotheses and indicate that mechanisms regulating canopy‐level decomposition differ from those documented on the forest floor. This demonstrates the need for a holistic approach to decomposition that considers the vertical position of necromass as it decomposes. Further experimentation is necessary to quantify interactions between community assembly processes, nutrient availability, substrate traits, and microclimate.A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

The endophyte Allantophomopsis cytisporea is associated with snow blight on Calluna vulgaris in the Alps—An effect of climate change?

ABSTRACTShoots of Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea, Juniperus communis subsp. nana, Picea abies, and Pinus mugo subsp. mugo covered with felty, melanized epiphytic mycelia typical for brown felt blight caused by Herpotrichia pinetorum were collected at several locations in the Swiss Alps. Most cultures prepared from the mycelia on J. communis subsp. nana and P. abies were H. pinetorum, whereas the majority of cultures from P. mugo subsp. mugo and C. vulgaris were identified by internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequencing and morphology as Allantophomopsis cytisporea. The fungus tolerates low temperatures, has an optimum between 16°C and 24°C, and ceases to grow at 28°C. 35°C is lethal. A. cytisporea is known as the causal agent of cranberry black rot on Vaccinium macrocarpon but has never been described as a snow mold. A. cytisporea is an endophyte in C. vulgaris but seems able to kill leaflets and whole shoots during winter. The epiphytic mycelium can expand from C. vulgaris to neighboring shoots of P. mugo subsp. mugo and J. communis subsp. nana below the snow where it forms epiphytic mycelial mats reminiscent of H. pinetorum. H. pinetorum has a strong antibiotic effect against A. cytisporea at 4°C and 20°C, whereas A. cytisporea grows faster at these temperatures. The effects of climate change on the interaction between the two snow mold fungi and their consequences on regeneration of woody plants at timberline are discussed.

Phosphatase activities of a microepiphytic community during a bloom of Ostreopsis cf. ovata in the northern Adriatic Sea

It is becoming more apparent that increased organic nutrient loads deriving from anthropogenic activities and natural processes frequently cause the eutrophication of coastal waters. Concurrently, an increasing number of phototrophs have been shown to make use of organic nutrients, mainly through indirect studies of surface enzyme activities or through direct studies of growth in media containing organic-only nutrients. The potential utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) by microepiphytic-mats associated with frequently problematic, toxic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata, was investigated throughout a full cycle of a bloom that occurs annually (over the last few decades) during summer along several stretches of the Mediterranean coast. Measurements of phosphomonoesterase (PMEase) and phosphodiesterase (PDEase) activities of the epiphytic mats (including cells and exopolymeric substances) and a range of chemico-physical parameters were made from late summer to early autumn at a eutrophic site.Analyses of ambient nutrient fractions revealed very high aquatic N:P values (TN:TP = 178 ± 50), very low filterable reactive P (FRP) concentrations (13 out 19 under the limits of detection) and DOP concentrations that were on average 85% of the total dissolved P. We recorded a rapid increase in PMEase and PDEase activities in the epiphytic microalgal community that coincided with the onset of a proliferation of the Ostreopsis population. Chromogenic staining of samples showed that activity was closely associated with the Ostreopsis cells, located both extracellularly (cell surface and within the EPS) and intracellularly (ventral cytoplasm). The increase in both phosphatases indicates that Ostreopsis can utilise a wide range of DOP types. The intense activity in the EPS was suggested to aid in the efficient entrapment and processing of high concentration nutrient pulses, for extracellular processing of larger organic materials and to prevent loss of substrates and products to the surrounding water. Based on the present findings, Ostreopsis seems to have adaptations that allow it to thrive in P-limited environments where organic P is the main source of P.

Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru: A Survey of the Families. Elateridae Leach, 1815

Diversity in Peru: 8 subfamilies, 43 genera, 164 species. Recognition: The beetles of this family are immediately recognized by their generally elongate and narrow body, a disproportionately large and loosely attached prothorax that rapidly articulates with the mesothorax to “snap” the body for predator escape and self-righting; serrate to pectinate antennae; large prosternum; large subtriangular hypomeron; large subquadrate metaventrite; and slender legs with long pentamerous tarsus, usually with ventral setal brushes or membranous pads. Habitat: Elaterids are found primarily in forests, savannas, thorn-forests, and scrublands, with different taxa between wet and dry vegetation types. Some are specialized by larval adaptions to arboreal and terrestrial bromeliads, epiphyte mats on large tree limbs, sandy riparian soils, grassland soils, or various stages of internal decay of dead and dying trees. Adult activity is short-lived and mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, especially in warm to hot environments. Mid and upper elevation species are often diurnal. They feed at high-carbohydrate sources such as plant wounds and weeps, floral and extra-floral nectaries, decaying fruits, plant glandular exudates, but also predate on small plant-feeding arthropods. Larvae are mostly predators under loose bark, within decaying wood, among roots and rhizomes of epiphytes, leaf axils of bromeliads, and in soil. Some species are rhizophages in soil. Notes: The checklist of Elateridae is based on Gemminger and Harold (1869),

Epiphyte response to drought and experimental warming in an Andean cloud forest.

The high diversity and abundance of vascular epiphytes in tropical montane cloud forest is associated with frequent cloud immersion, which is thought to protect plants from drought stress. Increasing temperature and rising cloud bases associated with climate change may increase epiphyte drought stress, leading to species and biomass loss. We tested the hypothesis that warmer and drier conditions associated with a lifting cloud base will lead to increased mortality and/or decreased recruitment of epiphyte ramets, altering species composition in epiphyte mats. By using a reciprocal transplant design, where epiphyte mats were transplanted across an altitudinal gradient of increasing cloud immersion, we differentiated between the effects of warmer and drier conditions from the more general prediction of niche theory that transplanting epiphytes in any direction away from their home elevation should result in reduced performance. Effects differed among species, but effects were generally stronger and more negative for epiphytes in mats transplanted down slope from the highest elevation, into warmer and drier conditions, than for epiphyte mats transplanted from other elevations. In contrast, epiphytes from lower elevations showed greater resistance to drought in all treatments. Epiphyte community composition changed with elevation, but over the timescale of the experiment there were no consistent changes in species composition. Our results suggest some epiphytes may show resistance to climate change depending on the environmental and evolutionary context. In particular, sites where high rainfall makes cloud immersion less important for epiphyte water-balance, or where occasional drought has previously selected for drought-resistant taxa, may be less adversely affected by predicted climate changes.

Epiphyte response to drought and experimental warming in an Andean cloud forest

The high diversity and abundance of vascular epiphytes in tropical montane cloud forest is associated with frequent cloud immersion, which is thought to protect plants from drought stress. Increasing temperature and rising cloud bases associated with climate change may increase epiphyte drought stress, leading to species and biomass loss. We tested the hypothesis that warmer and drier conditions associated with a lifting cloud base will lead to increased mortality and/or decreased recruitment of epiphyte ramets, altering species composition in epiphyte mats. By using a reciprocal transplant design, where epiphyte mats were transplanted across an altitudinal gradient of increasing cloud immersion, we differentiated between the effects of warmer and drier conditions from the more general prediction of niche theory that transplanting epiphytes in any direction away from their home elevation should result in reduced performance. Effects differed among species, but effects were generally stronger and more negative for epiphytes in mats transplanted down slope from the highest elevation, into warmer and drier conditions, than for epiphyte mats transplanted from other elevations. In contrast, epiphytes from lower elevations showed greater resistance to drought in all treatments. Epiphyte community composition changed with elevation, but over the timescale of the experiment there were no consistent changes in species composition. Our results suggest some epiphytes may show resistance to climate change depending on the environmental and evolutionary context. In particular, sites where high rainfall makes cloud immersion less important for epiphyte water-balance, or where occasional drought has previously selected for drought-resistant taxa, may be less adversely affected by predicted climate changes.

Epiphyte response to drought and experimental warming

The high diversity and abundance of vascular epiphytes in tropical montane cloud forest is associated with frequent cloud immersion, which is thought to protect plants from drought stress. Increasing temperature and rising cloud bases associated with climate change may increase epiphyte drought stress, leading to species and biomass loss. We tested the hypothesis that warmer and drier conditions associated with a lifting cloud base will lead to increased mortality and/or decreased recruitment of epiphyte ramets, altering species composition in epiphyte mats. By using a reciprocal transplant design, where epiphyte mats were transplanted across an altitudinal gradient of increasing cloud immersion, we differentiated between the effects of warmer and drier conditions from the more general prediction of niche theory that transplanting epiphytes in any direction away from their home elevation should result in reduced performance. Ramet mortality increased, recruitment decreased, and population size declined for epiphytes in mats transplanted down slope from the highest elevation, into warmer and drier conditions, but epiphytes from lower elevations showed greater resistance to drought in all treatments. Epiphyte community composition changed with elevation, but over the timescale of the experiment there were no consistent changes in species composition. Our results suggest some epiphytes may show resistance to climate change depending on the environmental context, although if climate change results in consistently drier conditions and higher cloud bases, biomass loss and shifting species composition in epiphyte communities is likely.

<I>Matsucoccus macrocicatrices</I> (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae): First Report, Distribution, and Association With Symptomatic Eastern White Pine in the Southeastern United States

We provide the first report of Matsucoccus macrocicatrices Richards (Hemiptera: Matsucoccidae) feeding and reproducing on eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L., in the southeastern United States. Until now, M. macrocicatrices had been reported only from the Canadian Atlantic Maritimes, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Entomological holdings of 27 major museums in eastern North America have no historical records for M. macrocicatrices from the southeastern region. However, our field surveys and molecular analyses (DNA barcoding) have resulted in the collection and positive identification of M. macrocicatrices in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia In addition to the new geographic range, M. macrocicatrices is also being associated with dieback and mortality of all diameter classes of P. strobus leading to concern about a potential shift from its historically nonpestiferous presence on the host tree. On P. strobus, M. macrocicatrices was found embedded in cankers or present on top of the bark with necrotic tissue under their feeding area, indicating that they may be creating wounds for opportunistic pathogenic fungi to infest. Further, we found M. macrocicatrices living outside of the epiphytic mats of its symbiotic fungus, Septobasidium pinicola Snell. This study shows that M. macrocicatrices is now widespread in the southeastern United States, with implications for the future survival and regeneration of P. strobus in eastern North America.

Invertebrate communities of subcanopy epiphyte mats subject to commercial moss harvest

Subcanopy epiphytic bryophyte mats are subject to the commercial removal of over 3.7 million kg/year of fresh epiphytic bryophytes (the non-timber forest product of “moss”) from the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges in the Pacific Northwest of North America. This paper reports on four pilot studies that provide the first characterization of the invertebrates impacted by this harvest. Invertebrates were extracted from harvestable moss mats in both mountain ranges over a period of 4 years. A total of 205 morphospecies and over 143,000 individuals were found in 337 moss mats (totaling less than 25 kg of moss, fresh weight). Invertebrates associated with both canopy and forest floor habitats were recorded. Overall morphospecies composition did not differ between mats harvested from the shrubs vine maple (Acer circinatum) and huckleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium), nor between mats harvested from the stem bases and the branch tips of vine maple. The invertebrate fauna composition was correlated with elevation, stand age, and the vertical distance to water in both the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges. The lack of differentiation in morphospecies with mat position or host species indicates that these commercial moss harvest practices do not discriminate among taxa, but the overall impacts of harvesting have yet to be determined.

Factors affecting the availability of thick epiphyte mats and other potential nest platforms for Marbled Murrelets in British Columbia

Nest platforms (mossy pads, limbs, and deformities >15 cm in diameter) are key requirements in the forest nesting habitat of the threatened Marbled Murrelet ( Brachyramphus marmoratus (J.F. Gmelin, 1789)). Little is known about factors that affect the availability of platforms or the growth of canopy epiphytes that provide platforms. We examined variables affecting these parameters in coastal trees in British Columbia using data from 29 763 trees at 1412 sites in 170 watersheds. Tree diameter (diameter at breast height (DBH)) was the most important predictor of platform availability in the pooled data and within each of six regions. In most regions, platforms become available at DBH > 60 cm, but on East Vancouver Island, DBH needs to be >96 cm and possibly on the Central Coast >82 cm. Other regional predictors of platforms included tree height, tree species, and to a lesser extent elevation, slope, and latitude. Most (72%) trees providing platforms had epiphytes (mainly moss) covering one third or more of branch surfaces and 81% had intermediate or thick epiphyte mats. Mistletoe deformities provided <7% of platforms. Our model predictions help to define and manage suitable habitat for nesting Marbled Murrelets and also contribute to understanding forest canopy ecosystems.

Recent literature on lichens—213

Affeld, K., J. Sullivan, S. P. Worner & R. K. Didham. 2008. Can spatial variation in epiphyte diversity and community structure be predicted from sampling vascular epiphytes alone? Journal of Biogeography 35(12): 2274–2288. [Study in temperate rain forest of South Island, New Zealand, on epiphytes of Metrosideros robusta trees. Lichens ranged from 10–18% of the epiphytic flora. ‘‘Although we found some evidence that vascular plant seedling establishment was linked to the presence of lichens and the biomass of nonliving components in the epiphyte mats, there was no correlation in the spatial patterning or determinants of species richness between non-vascular and vascular plants.’’ There is no listing of the lichen species encountered.] Aptroot, A. & L. Sparrius. 2008. Crustose Roccellaceae in the Galapagos Islands, with the new species Schismatomma spierii. The Bryologist 111(4): 659–666. [Treatment of 24 spp. (many new records for the Galapagos and Ecuador); key. New: S. spierii n.sp. on coastal and inland trees. ‘‘Lecanographa laingiana is reported for the first time from the New World.’’ The genus Opegrapha was not included in this study.] Armaleo, D., Y. Zhang & S. Cheung. 2008. Light might regulate divergently depside and depsidone accumulation in the lichen Parmotrema hypotropum by affecting thallus temperature and water potential. Mycologia 100(4): 565–576. [A direct correlation was observed between the yearly amount of light reaching the lichen and the amount of atranorin. In contrast, the amount of norstictic acid decreased with increasing light.] Benatti, M. N. & M. P. Marcelli. 2007. Generos de fungos liquenizados dos manguezais do sul-sudeste do Brasil, com enfoque no manguezal do Rio Itanhaem, Sao Paulo. Acta Botanica Brasilica 21(4): 863–878. [Treatment of 81 genera (including a key) of lichens from mangrove forests in the region. In Portuguese with English abstract.] ——— & ———. 2008. Especies de Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycetes liquenizados) com maculas reticulares do litoral centro-sul do estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. Hoehnea 35(1): 75–90. [Treatment (with key) of 6 spp. previously placed in the genus Rimelia. In Portuguese with English summary.] Berger, F. & A. Aptroot. 2008. Bactrospora flavopruinosa, a new lichen species from Bermuda. Lichenologist 40(6): 543–547. [New: B. flavopruinosa n.sp. from decorticated trunk of Juniperus bermudiana.] Bielczyk, U. 2005. Porosty w Tatrach. Pamietnik Polskiego Towarzystaw Tatrzanskiego [Memoir of the Polish Tatra Society] 14: 7–18. [General article on lichens of the Tatra Mountains, Poland. In Polish.] Bostock, P. & A. Holland. 2008. Appendix VIII: New names and taxa for Queensland plants, algae, lichens, bryophytes and fungi. July 2006 to June 2007. Pages 41–54. In A. Holland & P. Postock (eds.), Queensland Herbarium Achievements 2006–2007. Environmental Protection Agency, The State Government of Queensland. [Brief compiled report including 20 lichen spp.] Botting, R. S., J. Campbell & A. L. Fredeen. 2008. Contrasting arboreal and terrestrial macrolichen and bryophyte communities in old-growth sub-boreal forests of central British Columbia. The Bryologist 111(4): 607–619. [Authors analyzed biomass and nitrogen content in 71 spp. of macrolichens and 47 spp. of bryophytes in the study area NE of Prince George. ‘‘In total, terrestrial and arboreal lichens and bryophytes represented 20–39 kg N ha in this old-growth sub-boreal spruce ecosystem.’’] Bowker, M. A., G. W. Koch, J. Belnap & N. C. Johnson. 2008. Nutrient availability affects pigment production but not growth in lichens of biological soil crusts. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40(11): 2819–2826. [Experiments with Collema tenax. ‘‘Although Mn fertilization does not appear likely to increase photosynthesis or growth of Collema, it could have a role in survivorship during environmentally * The cumulative database for this series is available in searchable form on the World Wide Web at http://www.nhm.uio.no/botanisk/bot-mus/ lav/sok_rll.htm. I owe special thanks to Bill Buck for providing copies of papers by other authors, which were otherwise unavailable to me, and to the cooperating authors who send reprints or electronic versions of their works to me for inclusion in this series.

The invertebrate fauna of epiphyte mats in the canopy of northern rata (Myrtaceae: Metrosideros robusta A. Cunn.) on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand

The range of microhabitats and microclimatic conditions provided by epiphytes has been linked to the high diversity of invertebrates in many forest canopies worldwide, but comparably little is known about the invertebrate fauna in this habitat in New Zealand. This study compiled an inventory of the invertebrate fauna of epiphyte mats in the canopy of northern rata (Myrtaceae: Metrosideros robusta A. Cunn.) at two study sites on the West Coast of the South Island. A total of 242 069 invertebrate specimens was collected over one year, representing 4 phyla, 9 classes and more than 160 families, 225 genera and 446 species. At least 10 new species and 3 new genera were identified, while 5 species were recorded outside their known geographical range. Epiphyte mats provided habitat for an invertebrate fauna, highly diverse and abundant both taxonomically and functionally, dominated in terms of abundance by Acari, Collembola and Hymenoptera (largely ants), and in terms of feeding guilds by epiphyte grazers and ants. As the first inventory of this taxonomic depth and breadth compiled for New Zealand forest epiphyte habitats, this study provides important baseline data for the conservation of biodiversity in New Zealand's indigenous forests.

Can spatial variation in epiphyte diversity and community structure be predicted from sampling vascular epiphytes alone?

AbstractAim Non‐vascular epiphytes have been largely ignored in studies examining the biotic and abiotic determinants of spatial variation in epiphyte diversity. Our aim was to test whether the spatial patterning of species richness, biomass and community composition across geographic regions, among trees within regions, and among branches within trees is consistent between the vascular and non‐vascular components of the temperate rain forest flora.Location Coastal lowland podocarp‐broadleaved forests on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand.Methods We collected single samples (30 × 25 cm) from 96 epiphyte assemblages located on the inner branches of 40 northern rata (Metrosideros robusta) trees. For each sample, branch characteristics such as branch height, branch diameter, branch angle, branch aspect, and minimum and maximum epiphyte mat depth were recorded. The biomass for each individual epiphyte species was determined.Results Northern rata was host to a total of 157 species, comprising 32 vascular and 125 non‐vascular species, with liverworts representing 41% of all species. Within epiphyte mats, the average total organic biomass of 3.5 kg m−2 of branch surface area consisted largely of non‐living biomass and roots. Vascular and non‐vascular epiphytes showed strikingly different spatial patterns in species richness, biomass and composition between sites, among trees within sites, and among branches within trees, which could not be explained by the branch structural characteristics we measured. The two plant groups had no significant association in community composition (r = 0.04, P = 0.08). However, the species richness of vascular plant seedlings was strongly linked to the presence/absence of lichens.Main conclusions Non‐vascular plants contributed substantially to the high species richness and biomass recorded in this study, which was comparable to that of some tropical rain forests. High variability in community composition among epiphyte mats, and very low correlation with any of the environmental factors measured possibly indicate high levels of stochasticity in seed or spore colonization, establishment success or community assembly among branches in these canopy communities. Although we found some evidence that vascular plant seedling establishment was linked to the presence of lichens and the biomass of non‐living components in the epiphyte mats, there was no correlation in the spatial patterning or determinants of species richness between non‐vascular and vascular plants. Consequently, variation in total epiphyte biodiversity could not be predicted from the measurement of vascular plant diversity alone, which highlights the crucial importance of sampling non‐vascular plants when undertaking epiphyte community studies.

Arthropod Assemblages in Epiphyte Mats of Costa Rican Cloud Forests

ABSTRACTTropical cloud forests are functionally important ecosystems, but are severely threatened due to deforestation and fragmentation. Epiphyte mats, accumulations of live vegetation and dead organic matter on tree trunks and branches, are a conspicuous component of cloud forests and harbor diverse assemblages of meso‐ and microarthropods. We compared the morphospecies richness, composition, and abundance of arthropods in epiphyte mats between primary and secondary forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, and at two nearby replicate sites. Epiphyte mats were thinner and less structurally diverse in secondary forest. We collected ca 36,000 micro‐ and mesoarthropods from epiphyte mats in the 2‐yr study. Whereas arthropod morphospecies richness did not differ among forest types, arthropod abundance was significantly higher in secondary forest due to larger numbers of ants, especially Solenopsis spp. Arthropod assemblages showed a high degree of taxonomic overlap both within and between primary and secondary forests (Jaccard abundance‐based similarity = 0.93–0.96). Although characteristics of the arthropod fauna proved to be similar among sites and between forest types, there was a significant temporal effect: arthropod morphospecies richness in epiphyte mats generally was lower in the dry season (February–May), when many taxa probably became dormant or sought shelter against desiccation in deeper portions of mats.

A new genus and species of felt scale (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Eriococcidae) from epiphyte communities of northern rata (Metrosideros robusta Cunn.: Myrtaceae) canopy in New Zealand

The adult female, 2nd-instar female and 1st-instar nymph of a new genus and species of felt scale insect Affeldococcus kathrinae (Eriococcidae) are described from epiphyte mats in the high canopy of northern rata trees. The material was collected from two study sites on the west side of the South Island, New Zealand: Bullock Creek, Punakaiki, and at the start of the Heaphy Track near Karamea. This new species is unlike any others in the New Zealand fauna and apparently shares convergent features with the cactus-feeding Dactylopius species (Dactylopiidae), and possibly some relationship with the Australian genus Phacelococcus Miller. An additional couplet is provided to include this new genus in the key to genera of Eriococcidae present in New Zealand.