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Herbivory increases diversification across insect clades

Author

Listed:
  • John J. Wiens

    (University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell Street, BioSciences West 310)

  • Richard T. Lapoint

    (University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell Street, BioSciences West 310)

  • Noah K. Whiteman

    (University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell Street, BioSciences West 310)

Abstract

Insects contain more than half of all living species, but the causes of their remarkable diversity remain poorly understood. Many authors have suggested that herbivory has accelerated diversification in many insect clades. However, others have questioned the role of herbivory in insect diversification. Here, we test the relationships between herbivory and insect diversification across multiple scales. We find a strong, positive relationship between herbivory and diversification among insect orders. However, herbivory explains less variation in diversification within some orders (Diptera, Hemiptera) or shows no significant relationship with diversification in others (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera). Thus, we support the overall importance of herbivory for insect diversification, but also show that its impacts can vary across scales and clades. In summary, our results illuminate the causes of species richness patterns in a group containing most living species, and show the importance of ecological impacts on diversification in explaining the diversity of life.

Suggested Citation

  • John J. Wiens & Richard T. Lapoint & Noah K. Whiteman, 2015. "Herbivory increases diversification across insect clades," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms9370
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9370
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    Cited by:

    1. Bonnie B. Blaimer & Bernardo F. Santos & Astrid Cruaud & Michael W. Gates & Robert R. Kula & István Mikó & Jean-Yves Rasplus & David R. Smith & Elijah J. Talamas & Seán G. Brady & Matthew L. Buffingto, 2023. "Key innovations and the diversification of Hymenoptera," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, December.

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