Vegetation architecture and redistribution of insects moving on the plant surface

A model for predicting the influence of vegetation architecture on the rate of population spread by insects moving on the plant surface was developed. Vegetation architecture was described using two parameters: (1) the proportion of the total length of connecting plant parts in relation to the total length of all plant parts, and (2) the proportion of the horizontal projection of connecting plant parts in relation to the total length of connecting plant parts. The influence of each parameter on the rate of population spread through the vegetation was quantified separately. The two parameters were then combined to create a model for predicting the impact of vegetation architecture on the rate of population spread. The model was tested by solving the diffusion equation numerically on example structures that differed in architecture. The rate of population spread predicted by the model corresponded well with the numerical solutions. Finally, redistribution of Lygus rugulipennis (Heteroptera: Miridae) nymphs was observed on small arenas of artificial vegetation. Each arena was composed of two types of artificial vegetation, which differed in architecture. The architecture of the vegetation types clearly influenced the distribution of nymphs on the arenas. The model was successful in predicting which vegetation type would have the higher insect density, but it did not always predict the distribution of nymphs exactly.