What feeds on Quercus ilex L.? A biogeographical approach to studying trophic interactions in a Mediterranean keystone species

Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is regarded as a keystone plant species. Although trophic interactions may affect the phytophagous species distribution and abundance, the number of arthropod species using holm oak as a food resource and their levels of host specificity is not yet known. Here we aim to quantify these species, their feeding strategies and conservation status, investigate the taxonomic relatedness in each trophic guild and assess their degree of host specificity with the holm oak.We reviewed the existing literature and compiled information about all arthropod species that feed on Q. ilex, as well as their feeding strategies and conservation status. We also investigated the relationships between trophic guilds and the taxonomic relatedness of species and assessed the degree of climatic niche overlap with holm oak. We found that 605 species feed on seven different parts of the holm oak plant (i.e., feeding strategies). More than 90% of these species lack a conservation status ass...