Big bats binge bad bugs: Variation in crop pest consumption by common bat species

As generalist predators, insectivorous bats exploit fluctuations in prey distribution and abundance. A more nuanced understanding of the influence on arthropod pests requires documentation pest species consume conditions associated with variation rates consumption. Here, we used high-throughput metabarcoding DNA extracted from bat feces to investigate diets 180 representing three Vespertilionidae common southeastern US, a region dominated by agriculture pine plantations. We detected 23 agricultural diets, including responsible for severe economic damage, such as Helicoverpa zea, Spodoptera frugiperda, Chloridea virescens Chrysodeixis includens. Incidence consumption was high: 61% all had consumed at least one species, each consuming an average 1.7 species. The likelihood row crops size varied large foliage-roosting (Lasiurus seminolus) greater variety larger than smaller crevice, cavity, cave roosting (Nycticeus humeralis, Myotis austroriparius). Likelihood also among sampling periods (season) different sizes (as reflected wing length mass). Overall, higher late summer season during spring or early summer, bats. Bat characteristics seasonality were generally effective geographic features weather predicting patterns. Strategies enhancing services agroecosystems should strive maintain enhance diverse populations landscape scale protecting augmenting roost structures appropriate Our finding widespread contributes mounting evidence worldwide important role play systems highlights value incorporating conservation into integrated management programs globally.