Small scale additions of native plants fail to increase beneficial insect richness in urban gardens
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Published source details
Matteson K.C. & Langellotto G.A. (2011) Small scale additions of native plants fail to increase beneficial insect richness in urban gardens. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 4, 89-98.
Published source details Matteson K.C. & Langellotto G.A. (2011) Small scale additions of native plants fail to increase beneficial insect richness in urban gardens. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 4, 89-98.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Plant parks, gardens and road verges with appropriate native species Action Link |
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Plant parks, gardens and road verges with appropriate native species
A replicated, paired, controlled study in 2004–2006 in 18 urban gardens in New York, USA (Matteson & Langellotto 2011) found that planting native plants did not increase the number of butterflies in gardens. In gardens where native wildflowers were planted, the number of species of butterflies was similar to gardens where no additional flowers were planted (data not presented). In addition, 88% of butterflies seen on flowers were using non-native species (statistical significance not assessed). In August 2004, in each of nine gardens (224–2,188 m2, 0–33 years old), 70 plants of seven native wildflower species were planted in a sunny, composted 10 m2 plot (or additional 24-inch diameter pots where limited soil was available). Any lost plants were replaced in May 2005. In a further nine gardens, similar in size and floral area, no wildflowers were planted. Prior to any planting, the majority of plants in the gardens (69%) were non-native. From June–September 2005–2006, butterflies were visually counted in each garden every two weeks, spending 5 minutes/600 m2, and their use of native or non-native flowers was recorded.
(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)
