Native Plants
Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
The Research Literature database was created and funded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Use the search features below to find scientific articles on native wildflowers that are commercially available or used in restoration projects.
About Research Literature Frequently Asked Questions Related Links
Experimental test of biotic resistance to an invasive herbivore provided by potential plant mutualists
Author(s): T. E. X. Miller, J. C. Legaspi and B. Legaspi
Month: Oct
Year: 2010
Publication Type: Article
Journal: Biological Invasions
Volume: 12
Issue: 10
Pages: 3563-3577
Article Topic(s): Disturbance
Research Setting(s): Field
Species Referenced: Opuntia stricta (Erect pricklypear),
Abstract
Assesses the relationship among Opuntia stricta cacti, the invasive Cactoblastis cactorum cactus-feeding moths, and ants attracted to the cacti by extra-floral nectar. In controlled experiments, the presence of ants increased the mortality of moths in some circumstances. However, in naturally-occurring populations, ants had little effect on moth survival and subsequently, plant growth.Suggested Citation
T. E. X. Miller, J. C. Legaspi and B. Legaspi. "Experimental test of biotic resistance to an invasive herbivore provided by potential plant mutualists." Biological Invasions 12.10 (2010): 3563-3577.Go back