Exploring methods for studying historical insect herbivory using herbarium samples
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Authors
Espinoza, Marissa
Issue Date
2024
Type
Poster
Language
en_US
Keywords
Insect Herbivory , Mules , Great Basin , Historical Ecology , Plant Bug
Alternative Title
Abstract
Plant samples are collected and stored in regional herbarium all over the world and have been used in multiple types of studies regarding local flora and the change in those flora over time. Most recently, methods have been developed to ask questions about how different types of insect herbivory over time and across different land uses. None of this research has yet examined insect herbivory in the Great Basin region, including a large part of Nevada. The overarching objective of this project was to explore the methods and potential hypotheses available for studying historical insect herbivory using herbarium samples housed digitally (and at the University of Nevada Reno Herbarium) through the Intermountain Region Herbarium Network. Specifically, we asked if we could determine if 1) herbivory varies by date, elevation and location? And if 2) there differences between interior and margin herbivory? In Wyethia amplexicaulis collected in Nevada.