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open access

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Influence of body size on the dual role of isopod Porcellio scaber in seed dispersal and predation of the mycoheterotrophic plant Monotropastrum humile

English (英語)

Ecological Entomology

49(6)

970-973

John Wiley & Sons

2024-12

2025-05-28

Published Online: 2024-05-28

1. Endozoochorous seed dispersal by invertebrates, although infrequently documented, is gaining attention for its feasibility in plants with small seeds. Recent studies have highlighted terrestrial isopods as potential dual agents, acting both as seed dispersers and predators, especially for herbaceous plants with fleshy fruits and tiny seeds. However, the determinants of these contrasting roles are not well understood. 2. The present study explores intraspecific variation in Porcellio scaber, examining its dual role as a seed predator and disperser for Monotropastrum humile (Ericaceae), a plant with fleshy fruits and minute seeds (0.30–0.35 mm in length). We particularly focus on the impact of the sex and body size (5.44–11.99 mm) of the isopod P. scaber on seed dispersal or predation. 3. Our results indicate a significant correlation between seed dispersal effectiveness and isopod body size, with some variation attributed to sex differences. Smaller P. scaber individuals predominantly prey on seeds, whereas larger individuals are more likely to facilitate seed dispersal, maintaining seed viability. 4. Overall, our findings reveal that body size is a crucial factor in defining the ecological role of P. scaber. This challenges the conventional approach of using species-level average data in seed dispersal studies, emphasising the need to consider intraspecific variations for a comprehensive understanding of seed dispersal.

terrestrial isopods

学術雑誌論文

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Suetsugu, K. & Yamasaki, M. (2024) Influence of body size on the dual role of isopod Porcellio scaber in seed dispersal and predation of the mycoheterotrophic plant Monotropastrum humile. Ecological Entomology, 49(6), 970–973.], which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13356]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.