Carabid Beetle Diversity in Beech Forests
Author Information
Author(s): Lucija Šerić Jelaska, Vlatka Dumbović, Mladen Kučinić
Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb
Hypothesis
The Mean Individual Biomass index will increase with forest age and species with over-wintering larvae will be more abundant in the older forests.
Conclusion
MIB values increased with forest age, indicating that older forests support larger carabid beetles and greater biodiversity.
Supporting Evidence
- MIB values increased with forest age, confirming MIB as a useful indicator in evaluating later succession stages.
- The 80-year-old forest showed the highest species richness and diversity values.
- Older forests had a higher proportion of carabid beetles that hibernate as larvae.
Takeaway
Older forests have bigger bugs and more types of bugs than younger forests, which is good for nature.
Methodology
Carabid beetles were captured using pitfall traps in three different aged beech forests, and their diversity and biomass were analyzed.
Limitations
The study was limited to specific forest sites in Croatia and may not represent all beech forests.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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