Metapopulation structure of Pterostichus lepidus and Olisthopus rotundatus on heathland in the Netherlands: the results from transplant experiments.

Abstract

found unoccupied by species with low dispersal ability. The suitability of unoccupied patches is often implicitly assumed, because the suitability of empty habitat patches for successful colonization is difficult to prove. Few investigations into the suitability of patches for invertebrates within a metapopulation structure have been published (Schoener 1986, Harrison 1989). Introduction experiments with invertebrates for purposes other than testing the metapopulation structure have been done more frequently (e.g. Holdren & Ehrlich 1981, Loreau 1990, Oates & Warren 1990, Elmes & Thomas 1992). Most of these experiments fail, but often it is difficult to identify the factors causing the poor results. To eliminate the effect of emigration the use of enclosures seems to have great advantages (Loreau 1990, Van Dijk 1994).