Modelling the effects of global warming on the ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) fauna of beech forests in Bavaria, Germany

Abstract

Abstract. We studied the effects of global warming and rising temperatures on the ground beetle fauna of Bavarian beech forests using the space for time approach at two geographical scales. The first was a Bavarian-wide gradient of 50 plots in beech forests and the second a regional gradient in the Bavarian Forest in the mountains in eastern Bavaria consisting of 48 plots, which also included subalpine spruce forests. For purposes of validation, we used backdrop data from 413 additional plots all across Bavaria from a wide range of forest habitats. We found five species that would be favoured and six species that would be disadvantaged by rising temperatures in beech forests. For another five species the conditions within the gradient studied reach both their minimum and their maximum temperatures. As a consequence of increasing temperatures there will be winners and losers in these forests and the species composition of ground beetle communities will change. Approximately the same number of species is likely to profit as will be affected negatively. However, when considering the "global responsibility species" for Germany, the balance is negative. Species may react differently in different habitats and at different regional scales, which must be taken into consideration when applying the results.

Soil temperature effects on the structure and diversity of plant and invertebrate communities in a natural warming experiment

“…In contrast, Pterostichus beetles have been shown to thrive after experimental warming (Berthe et al., ), mirroring the increased abundance and biomass of P. diligens and P. nigrita here (Figures S9 and S10). Contrasting effects of temperature have also been shown on invertebrate populations in German forests (Müller‐Kroehling, Jantsch, Fischer, & Fischer, ).…”

“…Contrasting effects of temperature have also been shown on invertebrate populations in German forests (Müller-Kroehling, Jantsch, Fischer, & Fischer, 2014).…”

Predicting beta diversity of terrestrial and aquatic beetles using ecogeographical variables: insights from the replacement and richness difference components

“…Previous studies have found clear geographical patterns in their regional diversity and assemblage composition, which have been associated with concurrently varying climate conditions (Heino & Alahuhta, ). In particular, temperature and humidity are two important environmental factors influencing the behaviour and ecology of ground beetles (e.g., Rainio & Niemelä, ), for which reason these insects are regarded as a model group for research on the effects of climate change (e.g., Müller‐Kroehling, Jantsch, Fischer, & Fischer, ). For example, temperature may influence their flight, speed of digestion, larval survival, and life‐history phenology (Butterfield, ; Lövei & Sunderland, ; Thiele, ), whereas humidity may be important in regulating behavioural patterns and habitat affinity (e.g., Kagawa & Maeto, ).…”

Fagus sylvatica forests and their faunal diversity: A regional and European perspective

“…This result is congruent with fi ndings in forest systems regarding vascular plants (Walentowski & Zehm 2010) and woody plants (endemic Sorbus apomicts, Meyer et al 2005), and also with the ground Ground beetle (carabid) species positively correlated with beech dominance as derived from a CCA of the macroscale dataset (threshold r > 0.4). beetles to be found in the canopy of European beech forests (Müller-Kroehling & Zehetmair 2014). Specifi c habitat structures and habitat continuity seems to be more important for the species groups investigated than the presence or abundance of beech.…”