The metadata refer to standardized measurements of invertebrate herbivory and predation at two eLTER sites, conducted during TA visit in August of 2025. The data collected contribute to our long-term effort to understand global patterns of trophic interaction intensity. Specifically, they provide insights into both above- and belowground compartments, allowing comparisons between leaf and root herbivory, as well as predation pressure across ecosystem compartments.

For leaf herbivory, we collected branches from 20 individual plants (20–100 leaves per plant) at 10 m intervals along a haphazardly selected straight line. Leaves were assigned to one of seven damage classes based on the percentage of area consumed or damaged by gallers, miners, and defoliators. We also measured leaf weight, leaf dry matter content and specific leaf area in a subsample of 5-10 leaves per plant individual. For root herbivory, we collected five soil samples (20 × 20 cm, 30 cm depth) for macrofauna extraction and five soil cores (19 mm diameter, 30 cm depth) for root collection, taken at 10 m intervals along the same line used for branch sampling. After sample processing, root herbivory will be estimated as the biomass (dry weight per area) of (i) roots consumed by insects (calculated from herbivore biomass and feeding efficiency) and (ii) live fine roots (≤2 mm diameter), representing food availability for root herbivores. Predation on standardized live prey (mealworms) was measured on plant branches, on the soil surface, and in the soil (40 experimental units per locality). Tethered prey was exposed both openly and in protective cages, enabling us to differentiate mortality caused by small-bodied (invertebrate) versus large-bodied (vertebrate) predators.