Vädrets vägar i insektens liv

Abstract

This paper summarizes the findings from a long-term study (36 years) (published elsewhere, see references) on the population dynamics of a seed-feeding bug Lygaeus equestris (L.) (Heteroptera Lygaeidae) in a simple food web lacking enemies. It
illustrates how weather factors and climate affect the population dynamics of the insect both directly and indirectly via the trophic web. Whereas year-to year weather fluctuations are poorly mirrored in insect population change, long-term climatic effects
are evident. Due to climate change more food resources (seeds) are now produced on average and bugs are also on average more abundant now. No threshold effects in population dynamics were found as the climate changed.