Table 1 Hypotheses and predictions for the spatial distribution of seed predators in response to spatio-temporal variations in seed resource density within a host population. Seed infestation rates refer to seed predator distribution relative to the seed resource. Neighbourhood density refers to an isolation degree of seed infested trees encompassing both conspecifics’ density and active flight ability of seed predators.

Hypothesis 1:

Seed predator distribution globally depends on spatial variations in host density

Within population variation in seed infestation rates is explained by neighbourhood density:

- seed infestation rates increase when neighbourhood density increases (RCH pattern)

- seed infestation rates increase when neighbourhood density decreases (RDH pattern)

Significance and sign of the effect of neighbourhood density on seed infestation rates

Neighbourhood density alone did not explain within population variation in seed infestation rates, i.e. no RCH and RDH patterns were detected

Hypothesis 2:

Seed predator distribution globally depends on temporal variations in seed resource

Within population variation in seed infestation rates is explained by seed production

Significance and sign of the effect of seed production on seed infestation rates

Temporal variation in seed resource significantly influenced the within population variation in seed infestation rates

Hypothesis 3:

Seed predator distribution depends on both spatial and temporal variations in seed resource

Impact of neighbourhood density on the within population variation in seed infestation rates depends on seed production

Significance and sign of the interaction effect between seed production and neighbourhood density on seed infestation rates

The effect of neighbourhood density on within population seed infestation rates depended on seed production, i.e. a RDH pattern was supported only in non-mast years