Toft et al. (2001): Impacts of the weed Tradescantia fluminensis on insect communities in fragmented forests in New Zealand.

Toft, R. J.; Harris, R. J.; Williams, P. A. 2001. Impacts of the weed Tradescantia fluminensis on insect communities in fragmented forests in New Zealand. Biological Conservation 102: 31–46.

The impact of Tradescantia on insect communities, as represented by Malaise-trapped beetles and fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae s. l.), was studied at three lowland forest fragments in the southern North Island. The proportion of Tradescantia cover within study plots was a poor predictor of species richness for either beetles or fungus gnats, but there was evidence that particular taxa were affected. The richness of beetle and fungus gnat species was correlated with vascular plant richness. As Tradescantia is known to prevent regeneration of many native plants, we predict a corresponding decline in invertebrate diversity and fragment complementarity where the weed is established.