Distinct phenology of insect orders shown their own adaptive mechanisms in the subtropical montane regions of Taiwan

Due to no vehicle to reach, the distribution of the hexapod fauna in the montane areas of Taiwan has rarely been studied. To elucidate the hexapod phenology in montane Taiwan at 3000 m in elevation, hexapods were collected from YB bimonthly between 2009 and 2012 by using a sweeping net. The three dominant orders Collembola, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera, each of which has a distinct community structure and dynamic pattern, may have their own adaptive mechanisms. Hemiptera individuals, feed on YB, were stable in the year. The parasite hymenopteran wasps have stable dynamic patterns, was associated with that of their host insects and temperature. The dramatic fluctuations in the abundance of Collembola may have been caused by abiotic factors, such as precipitation. Moreover, the surveyed hexapods were divided into summer and winter groups. However, the pseudo-winter group might actually comprise individuals from several dominant families that are present all year but appear to be more abundant in winter.

Dominat hexapods in Shei montane areas; hemipteran leafhopper (Left), hymenopteran wasp (Middle), collembolan springtail (Right).
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