D3096: Herbivory of Malacothamnus spp. in coastal sage scrub ecosystems

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Exhibit Hall 6, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

MB

Molly Ann May Barber (she/her/hers)

Graduate Student
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, California

Co-Author(s)

ER

Erin Rankin

University of California
Riverside, California

This study aims to identify the herbivores found feeding on wild malvaceous plants, in southern California, and examine the potential impact of their damage on plant growth. Through field observations, collecting herbivores off plants in the wild, and laboratory damage manipulations we begin to understand what kinds of damage these plants are regularly facing in this unique ecosystem. Identifying the herbivores most abundant on wild Malacothamnus spp. living in coastal sage scrub ecosystems and the amount of damage they cause to the plants will allow us to better monitor them for conservation concerns in the future.