Insect Fauna of Coniferous Seed Cones: Diversity, Host Plant Interactions, and Management

Tree reproductive structures-pollen and seed cones, or microand mega­ sporangia-represent an extremely rich source of food for many animals (166). Although some species exploit pollen cones (189), in this review we deal exclusively with those exploiting seed cones prior to seed dispersal. Insects are considered the most important seed predators during the predispersal phase of seed development (59). Previous reviews have exam­ ined insect predation on angiosperm seeds and fruits, insect-seed interactions, as well as insect ecology, evolution, and interactions with other animals (86, 166). No general overview of the insects exploiting seed cones of