Sessions, L.A. & Kelly, D. 2001. Heterogeneity in vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory and its consequences for New Zealand mistletoes. Austral Ecology 26: 571-581.
A major difference between vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores is that vertebrate damage is more unevenly distributed. Data on leaf losses by Peraxilla colensoi, P. tetrapetala and Alepis flavida at three sites show that the overall mean losses to possums and insects are similar, but possum damage is more patchy among branches within a plant, among plants, and among sites. This could mean that the unlucky plants attacked by vertebrate herbivores are more likely to die, whereas insects remove a constant small amount from all plants which may be less harmful. Possums also preferred Alepis to Peraxilla spp.
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