Ground beetles (Coleoptera; Carabidae) as an indicator of ongoing changes in forest habitats due to increased water retention

PeerJ

article

Emilia Ludwiczak¹  Mariusz Nietupski¹  Agnieszka Kosewska¹ 

[1] Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

关键词: Bioindicators;    Forest peat bog;    Species diversity;    Carabid beetles;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.9815

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

This study, concerning the epigeic fauna of carabid beetles (Coleoptera; Carabidae), was conducted in the north-east of Poland, in an area which is part of the Dąbrówka Forest Subdistrict and has been included in the “Small water retention program for the Province of Warmia and Mazury in 2006–2015”. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of the water retention implemented within the framework of the above program on assemblages of ground beetles. These insects are highly sensitive to any anthropogenically induced transformations. This analysis was based on the interactions among the analyzed insects caused by changes occurring in their habitat. During the 3-year study, 5,807 specimens representing 84 species were captured. The water storage had a significant influence on the structure of the Carabidae assemblages. Before the earthworks were constructed for the project, the beetle assemblages had comprised a large group of xerophilous species, whereas after the small retention reservoirs had been created, an increase in the contribution of hygrophilous species was noticed. The results indicate that the retention works cause alterations in the water and environmental conditions of the habitats, and thereby effect changes in the composition of Carabidae assemblages. Moreover, modification in water relations within a habitat causes long-term changes in the structural and functional diversity of the beetles.

【 授权许可】

CC BY