Sycamore Supporter or Slayer

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birderjeff
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am

Sycamore Supporter or Slayer

Post by birderjeff »

Sycamore Supporter or Slayer:

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), generally gets a bad press, invasive, non-native, supporting few invert species, taking space from native trees etc, etc. Most conservationists like nothing more than clearing a woodland of the dreaded weed.

Not so hasty please ! This tree supports a vast amount of invertebrates, maybe not species rich (yet), but certainly the weight of individuals is seriously impressive. This tree has more insectivorous birds feeding in its canopy in summer and autumn than any other species of tree. The huge aphid numbers also attract a seriously impressive array of Ladybirds and other aphid predators. Orange ladybird is a specialist of this tree for much of the year. It also appears to be the best place to find the locally scarce Oak Bush Cricket.

I have the distinct impression that increasing numbers of species are becoming adapted to exploiting this much maligned tree. Give this tree a break and study it a bit more closely. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Any nay-sayers out there ?

Cheers
Jeff

SteveMcBill
Posts: 809
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:15 am
Location: Runcorn, Cheshire
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Re: Sycamore Supporter or Slayer

Post by SteveMcBill »

The Orange Ladybird (Halyzia 16-guttata) is not an aphid predator but is actually a feeder/grazer on mildews. On the Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) it probably feeds upon the common white mildew found on the upper surface of the leaves (Sawadaea bicornis, (Wallr.) Miyabe).

Steve
anno
Posts: 178
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am
Location: Penketh

Re: Sycamore Supporter or Slayer

Post by anno »

We need some love in the room for the ole Sycamore - always thought it a much maligned species ......

Mature specimens are great and provide cover for lots of species and in urban situations provide much needed colour - they are great to illustrate their success strategies for youngsters - drop an oak straight down and then twirl a fast moving helicopter and ask them how far would it go from canopy height?

A downside ?? Well I used to hate climbing them - slippery as an eel, near a slippery rock in a slippery river, luckily I am now too old and fat to climb trees - even to watch Brocks :D

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