Invertebrate herbivory accelerates shift towards forbs caused by warming in a sedge‐dominated alpine meadow

Invertebrate herbivory is suggested to modulate community shifts caused by climate warming in grasslands. However, experimental evidence lacking, especially high elevation areas. We examined the interactive effect of and grassland caterpillar Gynaephora alpherakjj, a typical invertebrate herbivorous insect with sedge preference, on structure plant sedge-dominated alpine meadow Tibetan Plateau. manipulated both herbivore temperature full factorial field experiment using passive chambers over one plant-growing season. Results show that simulated significantly increased aboveground biomass (APB) forbs total APB, while presence caterpillars decreased APB APB. The increase consumption sedges under warmed conditions can largely be ascribed feeding time caterpillars. Importantly, ratio but not unwarmed chambers. These results suggest climate, could accelerate from dominance forb only season meadow. This shift would reduce high-quality forage further threaten animal husbandry this area. Considering harm G. alpherakjj grasslands, its population should controlled more strictly global scenario.