Diversity and dynamics of the arthropod assemblages inhabiting mistletoe in eucalypt woodlands

Thus, protection of the taxonomic and structural diversity of vegetation, such as mistletoes and other epiphytic plants in tree canopies, is important to ensure the conservation of animals that are dependent on different plant forms and species, and thus biodiversity as a whole. Emerging research is revealing that the occurrence patterns of host-specific arthropods are primarily determined by the taxonomic affinities and distribution of their hosts. In contrast, occurrence patterns of generalist arthropods are more affected by niche properties and local environmental conditions. Areas of research that require further investigation include the interaction between the spatial distribution of habitat and dispersal scales of arthropod taxa; the influence of plant chemistry on community composition of herbivorous insects associated with mistletoes and their host-plants; and lastly, the evolutionary history of mistletoe-specific arthropod species.