Urban abiotic factors: Implications for insect herbivores and their hosts

Urbanized landscapes are often associated with abiotic conditions that are unique from their surrounding rural landscapes and sometimes representative of projected abiotic conditions under global change. Impervious surfaces are among the most pervasive characteristics of urbanized landscapes and often associated with warmer temperatures and drought stress. Nitrogen deposition and synthetic fertilization inputs are also frequently elevated in major metropolitan areas or highly maintained greenspaces. Heat, drought, and nutrients influence insect-plant interactions and in many cases negatively affect the ecosystem services provided by urban plants. This has important implications for insect pests, beneficial insects of conservation interest, and plant health. During this presentation, I will discuss recent research investigating these interactions and implications regarding continued urbanization and projected global climate conditions.