Ecological complexity and contingency: Ants and lizards affect biological control of the coffee leaf miner in Puerto Rico

Complexity and contingency frame much of current thinking in population community ecology. The coffee pest, Leucoptera coffeella, is particularly problematical Puerto Rico, but usually held under control Mexico. A variety arboreal ants are effective predators Mexico, limited an indirect fashion by the common aggressive ant, Azteca sericeasur. In Rico this species does not occur, suggesting that small might be more there than However, large densities Anoline lizards well-known as a major biological force for leaf miner. Ants, especially non-native Wasmannia auropunctata, have negative effect on lizards. Surveying miners 25 farms we investigate ants, particular W. miner, find ant has positive relationship with detailed spatial study two farms, surveys anoline show no significant between auropunctata per plant basis. found significantly lower abundance patches dominated indirectly protects miner against potential lizard predator. Thus, structural complexity trait-mediated occurs both Mexico potentially limits effectiveness elements, contingencies distinct sites.