Vertical Stratification of Beetles in Deciduous Forest Communities in the Centre of European Russia

Abstract

Studies on the vertical distribution of arthropods in temperate forests have revealed the uneven vertical distribution of communities. Many factors influence these patterns simultaneously. However, there are still many questions related to the vertical distribution of Coleoptera in deciduous forests of the temperate zone. The research was carried out within the territory of the Republic of Mordovia (the center of the European part of Russia). Fermental traps with a bait made of fermenting beer with sugar were used to collect Coleoptera. The collections were carried out from May to September 2020 at five sites in a deciduous forest. We set traps at a height of 1.5, 3.5, 7.5 and 12 m above the ground) on the branches of trees. Ninety-two species were identified at the end of studies at different heights. The families Nitidulidae (15 species), Cerambycidae (14 species), Elateridae (7 species), Curculionidae (7 species) and Scarabaeidae (7 species) had the greatest species diversity. The greatest species diversity was recorded at a height of 1.5 m, while the smallest one was recorded at a height of 7.5 m. The minimum number of specimens was recorded at a height of 12 m. The largest differences in the Jaccard similarity index were obtained between samples from a height of 1.5 and 12 m. The Shannon’s diversity index was higher near the ground than in the tree crowns (at heights of 7.5 and 12 m), and the Simpson index had the opposite tendency. Glischrochilus hortensis and to a lesser extent Cychramus luteus preferred to live in the lowest layers of deciduous forest (1.5 m). Cryptarcha strigata was mainly found with relatively high numbers at heights of 3.5 m and 7.5 m. The abundance and occurrence of Protaetia marmorata and Quedius dilatatus were higher in the uppermost layers of the crowns. The number of saproxylic beetle species at heights of 3.5–12 m was almost the same, while in the surface layer it decreased. The number of anthophilic beetle species was also lower at a low altitude. Our data confirm the relevance of sampling in forest ecosystems at different altitudes while studying arthropod biodiversity.

Vertical Stratification and Seasonal Dynamics of Coleoptera in Open Biotopes of Forest Ecosystems (Centre of European Russia)

“…In our research, vertical stratification was studied in an open biotope in a glade in the forest. It was found that the number and species diversity of Coleoptera is higher when the trap is installed at a height of 2 m. This is consistent with our previous studies conducted in nearby deciduous forests [67]. The Shannon index was higher near the than at high heights.…”

“…In deciduous forests, C. strigata imagos were mainly found at medium heights (3.5-7.5 m) with relatively high numbers [67]. In our studies, the abundance of C. strigata was greatest in the glade at a height of 4 m and lower at a height of 2 m. Imagos are usually found on the trunks of oaks and aspens near the flowing brooding sap.…”

“…This is due to the lack of corridors for migrations of flying Coleoptera species [19]. We point out that our study took place simultaneously with the study of the vertical stratification of Coleoptera in the forests of the temperate zone of the European part of Russia and the sites for this were located in the same forest ecosystem [67]. However, the data indicate that the species diversity of Coleoptera is also very significant in isolated glades in undisturbed forests and the range of species is different from that in the inner parts of the forest (closed biotopes).…”

Small-scale spontaneous dynamics in temperate beech stands as an importance driver for beetle species richness

“…Traps were placed on poles at 1.5 m above the ground (Fig. 3 ) representing the optimal flight height of the beetles 50 . Ten monitoring samples were placed at each developmental stage.…”

Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in Mordovia State Nature Reserve (Russia) using fermental traps

“…With the help of a weight, a rope with a tied trap was thrown on to a tree branch at a height of 1.5 to 12 m from the soil surface ( Ruchin et al 2020 ). As bait, fermenting beer, vinegar, white and red dry wine was used with an addition in the form of honey, jam or sugar ( Ruchin and Egorov 2021a , Ruchin and Egorov 2021b ).…”