Modelling the spatial population dynamics of the green oak leaf roller (Tortrix viridana) using density dependent competitive interactions: Effects of herbivore mortality and varying host-plant quality

► Mortality leads to selection pressures that favour moths with higher growth rate. ► Increased population growth rate leads to higher moth abundances in subsequent years. ► Qualitative composition of a trees neighbourhood affects its moth abundance. ► The model reproduces patchy damage patterns like in real forests.