The population ecology of Megaloprepus coerulatus and its effect on species assemblages in water-filled tree holes

Abstract

The role of competition, either in the form of intraspecific interactions that may lead to density-dependent population regulation, or in the form of interspecific interactions that may lead to niche differentiation, has recently come under renewed scrutiny from both theoreticians and empiricists (e.g. Cappuccino and Price, 1995; Denno et al., 1995). Alternative explanations now abound for patterns of population persistence and species co-existence, and testing between these alternatives is a current challenge for insect population ecologists. Because many processes may lead to the same pattern, knowing the processes that give rise to population or community patterns is critical to understanding the dynamics of ecological assemblages. Too often, community ecologists infer process from pattern, whereas behavioural ecologists usually ignore the consequences of other species on individual fitness. The goal of my long-term research on tropical odonates is to bridge this gap.