D3207: Abundance and diversity of true bugs (Hemiptera) associated with three species of ash (Oleaceae: Fraxinus) in Southeastern Louisiana

This study investigates the abundance and diversity of Hemipterans associated with three species of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.)—Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)— in Southeastern Louisiana. Flight intercept traps were deployed on 90 trees, with 30 representatives of each species. To capture a more comprehensive sample of Hemipterans at different heights and microhabitats, two traps were placed in each tree: one in the canopy and the other near the bole. The collection period spanned from early July to mid-September 2023. 

Captured insects were sorted to the ordinal level, and Hemipterans were further identified to the family and species levels. Data analyses compared the abundance each family and species across the three tree species. 

Results indicated that the family Cixiidae was the most abundant across all three ash species, with the genus Bothriocera being the predominant morphospecies. However, identifying specimens in this genus beyond the species level proved challenging. Environmental factors, such as a record drought during the summer, likely influenced the collected samples as well. 

This research enhances the understanding of Hemipteran communities associated with ash trees, providing insights into species diversity and distribution patterns. These findings contribute to ecological knowledge that can inform future studies on forest ecosystems and the interactions between insects and ash trees.