The phenology of geobiont beetles (Coleoptera) and other arthropods (Arthropoda) in the Vysoké Tatry Mts

Authors

  • Oto Majzlan Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 21, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovak Republic Author
  • Peter J. Fedor Department of Ecosozology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovak Republic Author

Keywords:

beetles, forests, impact, photoeclectors, soil fauna

Abstract

Soil photoeclectors as a method to observe phenology of hypogaeous adults hatching have been tested and discussed in the Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras) Mts (N Slovakia). In total, 5,028 arthropods were collected in traps installed at 3 sampling sites. The average daily abundance declares an intensive impact of fire destruction on the activity of soil arthropods, particularly geobionts such as springtails (Collembola). The wind calamity has led to changes in dynamics as well; in this case, dipterans (Diptera) have been affected especially. Springtails (Collembola), beetles (Coleoptera) and 2 other insect orders (Diptera and Hymenotera) generally dominated at all sampled sites. The forest fire has damaged the upper soil horizon, including the mass of decaying leaves and needles. The affected assemblage shows lower values of arthropod abundance. Revitalization of the sites depends on pressure of bacteria and fungi mineralizing vegetation biomass after the fire. Within these biochemical processes, mycetophagous beetles of Lathridiidae, Cryptophagidae and Staphylinidae have found their position. The analysed assemblage even includes Sericoda quadripunctata (Carabidae), a pyrophilous beetle, which is bionomically interacted to burnt wood and ash just after forest fires.

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Published

2009-01-01

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 2 (2009)

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Articles

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