Herbivore Damage to Pentaclethra Macroloba in Unexpanded and Expanded Leaves
Andrea M. Azume
Faculty Advisor: H. E. Braker

     Pentaclethra macroloba (Leguminosae) is an abundant tree at the Estacion Biologica La Selva in the lowland tropical forests of Costa Rica, but little is known about the herbivores that feed on it. We sought to learn more about the impact of herbivores on P. macroloba, specifically the damage that occurs in the early stages of leaf development. As a tool for studying leaf damage, we developed a regression relating length to area for young, unexpanded leaves. By marking and measuring young, undamaged leaves and returning them after a period of time, we also surveyed the frequency of damage to young leaves. Our next step is to determine the extent of damage inflicted in the early stages of leaf development compared to the damage accrued over the life of the leaf. Previous studies on other plants support the hypothesis that young leaves are more susceptible to damage than older leaves. Our findings will further the understanding of the rates and consequences of herbivore damage to young leaves in tropical forest trees.