The microspatial distribution of beetles (Coleoptera) on exposed riverine sediments (ERS)

Bates, Adam J.; Sadler, John; Perry, J. N.; Fowles, Adrian

doi:10.14411/eje.2007.068

Cited by 28 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(26 reference statements)

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“…Therefore, in a similar manner to the epikarst, the same spaces can, at different times, serve as a habitat for terrestrial, hypogean, epigean and aquatic fauna. The origins of “alluvial MSS” are similar to the habitats known as Exposed Riverine Sediments (ERS), which have been defined as “exposed, within channel, fluvially deposited sediments (gravels, sands and silts) that lack continuous vegetation cover, whose vertical distribution lies between the levels of bankfull and the typical base flow of the river” [91-93]. Following this definition, there are similarities with the MSS alluvial formation, but there are also two important differences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The “Alluvial Mesovoid Shallow Substratum”, a New Subterranean Habitat

et al. 2013

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In this paper we describe a new type of subterranean habitat associated with dry watercourses in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula, the “Alluvial Mesovoid Shallow Substratum” (alluvial MSS). Historical observations and data from field sampling specially designed to study MSS fauna in the streambeds of temporary watercourses support the description of this new habitat. To conduct the sampling, 16 subterranean sampling devices were placed in a region of Eastern Spain. The traps were operated for 12 months and temperature and relative humidity data were recorded to characterise the habitat. A large number of species was captured, many of which belonged to the arthropod group, with marked hygrophilous, geophilic, lucifugous and mesothermal habits. In addition, there was also a substantial number of species showing markedly ripicolous traits. The results confirm that the network of spaces which forms in alluvial deposits of temporary watercourses merits the category of habitat, and here we propose the name of “alluvial MSS”. The “alluvial MSS” may be covered or not by a layer of soil, is extremely damp, provides a buffer against above ground temperatures and is aphotic. In addition, compared to other types of MSS, it is a very unstable habitat. It is possible that the “alluvial MSS” may be found in other areas of the world with strongly seasonal climatic regimes, and could play an important role as a biogeographic corridor and as a refuge from climatic changes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The “Alluvial Mesovoid Shallow Substratum”, a New Subterranean Habitat

et al. 2013

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“…Moreover, especially dry and open habitats as the studied acidic coastal dunes, harbor several specialized xerothermic carabid (Desender 1996;Müller-Motzfeld 2004;Trost 2004) and spider species (Almquist 1973;Bonte et al 2000Bonte et al , 2003Buchholz and Kreuels 2009;Buchholz 2010). Furthermore, many carabid and spider species have low space requirements resulting in small-scale habitat use (Almquist 1973;Juen and Traugott 2004;Mazia et al 2006;Bates et al 2007;Ziesche and Roth 2008;Muff et al 2009). Hence, both taxa are useful indicators for small-scale shifts in habitats such as the shifts caused by moss encroachment in acidic coastal dunes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of the invasive moss Campylopus introflexus on carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and spiders (Araneae) in acidic coastal dunes at the southern Baltic Sea

2010

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Campylopus introflexus is an invasive moss in Europe and North America that is adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation. In habitats like acidic coastal dunes (grey dunes) it can reach high densities, build dense carpets and modify habitat conditions. While the impact of the moss invasion on the vegetation is well analyzed, there is a lack of knowledge regarding possible effects on arthropods. In the present study we analyzed the impact of Campylopus introflexus on the grounddwelling arthropods carabid beetles and spiders, as both taxa are known to be useful indicator taxa even on a small-scale level. In 2009 we compared species composition in a) invaded, moss-rich (C. introflexus) and b) native, lichen-rich (Cladonia spp.) acidic coastal dunes by using pitfall traps. A total of 1,846 carabid beetles (39 species) and 2,682 spiders (66 species) were caught. Species richness of both taxa and activity densities of spiders were lower in invaded sites. Species assemblages of carabids and spiders differed clearly between the two habitat types and single species were displaced by the moss encroachment. Phytophagous carabid beetles, web-building spiders and wolf spiders were more abundant in native, lichen-rich sites. Shifts in species composition can be explained by differences in the vegetation structure, microclimate conditions and most likely a reduced food supply in invaded sites. By forming dense carpets and covering large areas, the moss invasion strongly alters typical arthropod assemblages of endangered and protected (EU-directive) acidic coastal dunes.

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“…In contrast, other species with stronger, or total affinity to the habitat, are more strongly aligned with the riparian habitat and do not exhibit downstream assemblage heterogeneity or utilize other riparian habitats. Whilst micro-spatial positioning has been demonstrated [33], [34], [44] as evidence of resource partitioning amongst specialist invertebrates, we believe that this is the first that trait-driven resource partitioning has been shown to extend to prey selection in these riparian systems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 75%

“…Similar species with equally high dispersal potential (e.g. B. atrocaeruleum ) exhibit different behaviour, with individuals typically showing greater within patch mobility [34]. Whilst the majority of the individuals of the B. punctulatum/B.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In more stochastic environments, strong trait-based responses may be required [27], [28], with species being ‘filtered out’ [29] from continued habitat and associated resource use if they lack the necessary traits. Characteristic coleopteran traits in this habitat include high reflectivity [30], flattened bodies [31], avoidance behaviour [32], spatial positioning [33], [34] and seasonal changes in habitat choice [35], [36], [37]. The last three of these mechanisms enable species to tolerate the high levels of inundation-driven disturbance [22], [38].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Responses to River Inundation Pressures Control Prey Selection of Riparian Beetles

et al. 2013

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BackgroundRiparian habitats are subjected to frequent inundation (flooding) and are characterised by food webs that exhibit variability in aquatic/terrestrial subsidies across the ecotone. The strength of this subsidy in active riparian floodplains is thought to underpin local biodiversity. Terrestrial invertebrates dominate the fauna, exhibiting traits that allow exploitation of variable aquatic subsidies while reducing inundation pressures, leading to inter-species micro-spatial positioning. The effect these strategies have on prey selection is not known. This study hypothesised that plasticity in prey choice from either aquatic or terrestrial sources is an important trait linked to inundation tolerance and avoidance.Method/Principal FindingsWe used hydrological, isotopic and habitat analyses to investigate the diet of riparian Coleoptera in relation to inundation risk and relative spatial positioning in the floodplain. The study examined patch scale and longitudinal changes in utilisation of the aquatic subsidy according to species traits. Prey sourced from terrestrial or emerging/stranded aquatic invertebrates varied in relation to traits for inundation avoidance or tolerance strategies. Traits that favoured rapid dispersal corresponded with highest proportions of aquatic prey, with behavioural traits further predicting uptake. Less able dispersers showed minimal use of aquatic subsidy and switched to a terrestrial diet under moderate inundation pressures. All trait groups showed a seasonal shift in diet towards terrestrial prey in the early spring. Prey selection became exaggerated towards aquatic prey in downstream samples.Conclusions/SignificanceOur results suggest that partitioning of resources and habitat creates overlapping niches that increase the processing of external subsidies in riparian habitats. By demonstrating functional complexity, this work advances understanding of floodplain ecosystem processes and highlights the importance of hydrological variability. With an increasing interest in reconnecting rivers to their floodplains, these invertebrates represent a key functional element in ensuring that such reconnections have demonstrable ecological value.

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The microspatial distribution of beetles (Coleoptera) on exposed riverine sediments (ERS)

Cited by 28 publications

References 31 publications

The “Alluvial Mesovoid Shallow Substratum”, a New Subterranean Habitat

The “Alluvial Mesovoid Shallow Substratum”, a New Subterranean Habitat

Impact of the invasive moss Campylopus introflexus on carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and spiders (Araneae) in acidic coastal dunes at the southern Baltic Sea

Responses to River Inundation Pressures Control Prey Selection of Riparian Beetles

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