Geographic and Local Plant Effects on Herbivorous Insects of Juniperus and Pistacia in Cyrenaica-Libya

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of plant locality on insect herbivores associated with Juniperus and 
Pistacia species in Cyrenaica, Libya. Research was conducted across mountain and semi-arid regions to 
identify herbivorous insect species and their distribution patterns. Insects were sampled using sweep 
netting, light traps, and direct observation, followed by species-level identification. Statistical analyses 
were performed to evaluate the relationship between plant locality and herbivore diversity. 
The results indicated that Juniperus hosts higher insect diversity in montane regions due to favorable 
microclimatic conditions, while Pistacia supports a more specialized community in semi-arid areas. These 
findings highlight the ecological significance of plant locality in shaping insect herbivore communities, 
providing insights for pest management and biodiversity conservation.