The causes of over wintering mortality of Phyllonorycter on Quercus robur

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Abstract
1. An experiment was performed to examine the relationship between overwintering mortality rates and physical conditions in the leaf litter for Phyllonorycter spp. on Quercus robur.2. Analyses also were performed to determine if survival and mortality rates vary with leaf size and the position of a leaf mine within a leaf.3. The results indicate that survival rates are independent of variation in physical conditions in the leaf litter, as well as leaf size and the position of a mine on a leaf.4. Mortality from leaf decomposition was higher at the bottom of the litter pack, and it may compensate for reduced mortality from predation, crushing, desiccation, and fungal attack at the level.5. Rates of parasitism were significantly higher on small than on large leaves.