Seeing is not believing: Insects as symptoms not cause

Abstract

Recent studies of indigenous forest decline in New Zealand suggest insects and their damage, although highly conspicuous at this time of rapid ecological change, are symptoms rather than causes of the process which is underway. It is suggested that to focus on the contributing rather than causative factors, not only leads to a poor understanding of the process itself but reinforces the perception of insects as damaging pests rather than beneficial agents of change.

Keywords:

• Beech decline
• Neomycta
• Pohutukawa
• Beneficial insects