Smith V R
Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of the O.F.S., Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.
Oecologia. 1977 Sep;29(3):269-273. doi: 10.1007/BF00345701.
Little is known regarding the role of arthropods as herbivores on subantarctic islands. In grassland and drainage line communities on Marion Island maximum densities (up to 220/m) of Ectemnorrhinus similis adults occur in March to April, representing a maximum biomass of ca. 1 g m. Captured beetles ingest approximately 14% of body weight per day of Acaena magellanica leaf material and 37% of body weight per day of Brachythecium rutabulum fronds. No significant feeding on Poa cookii leaves was observed. It is proposed that E. similis be regarded as a significant primary consumer on the island.