Variable Impact of Avian Predation on Grasshopper Assemblies in Sandhills Grassland

Spatial and temporal variability in the impact of avian predation on total grasshopper density and species diversity in a sandhills grassland was evaluated with field experiments. Experiments were run for 3 years at two locations along a topographic gradient created by a large sand dune system which supports a mixed-grass prairie. Overall average grasshopper densities at the site were approximately 3-4 individuals/m 2 , considered low to moderate densities in the long-term record, and densities were about the same for all years within sites