DOI: 10.1515/frp-2015-0020 Leśne Prace Badawcze / Forest Research Papers Available online: www.lesne-prace-badawcze.pl September 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220 ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE e-ISSN 2082-8926

Seasonal dynamics of saproxylic (Coleoptera) occurring in decaying birch (Betula spp.) wood in the Kampinos National Park

Michał Sawoniewicz Bialystok University of Technology, Faculty of Forestry in Hajnówka, ul. Piłsudskiego 8, 17–200 Hajnówka, Poland Tel.+48 85 682 95 00, e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. The aim of the study was to identify the seasonal changes in the number of saproxylic beetles connected with birch in the Kampinos National Park. The research was conducted for 12 consecutive months in research areas representing 10 different site types. The beetles were collected from wood using photoeclectors. The largest number of species was collected in April and the lowest in January. An increase in number occurred during spring and summer months for species associated only with rotting wood, fructifications of tree fungi, the subcortical environment and hollows. In the same period the number of species not associated or potentially associated with decaying trees and wood decreased. During winter months, the differences in the number of trapped specimens were the smallest. The proportion of zoophagous species amongst the collected specimen increased in autumn and winter. The share of saprophagous species was the highest during the summer-autumn period and the share of mycetophages (jointly with myxomycophages) was the highest during spring and summer. We distinguished two separate groups of Coleoptera with the first one ( summer group ) including species trapped during late-spring and summer months, while the second one ( winter group ) includes species found in autumn, winter and early-spring months. In the summer group , an average of 55.8 species was trapped each monthʻ with 331.2ʼ specimen of Coleoptera, while in the winter group an average of 56.1 species with 228.4 Coleopteraʻ specimenʼ were caught. ʻ ʼ ʻ ʼ Keywords: saproxylic , phenology, dead wood

1. Introduction subject material. Most of traps were not suitable for use during the winter period. This eliminates the use of pho- Despite the fact that literature concerning decaying trees toeclector with artificial source of light. Insects, which in na- and beetles connected with them is quite extensive, many in- tural environment do not show any increased motor activity, teresting and important topics were not mentioned yet. One can be roused out of touchwood by using this photoeclector. of these topics is seasonal dynamics in number of saproxylic Domestic publications concerning saproxylic beetles caught beetles. This problem was rarely discussed. The one time that with the use of photoeclectors with artificial light are those it was mentioned, it only concerned the period of vegetation by: Perliński (2007), Perliński and Sawoniewicz (2011), and (Schlaghamerský 2000; Byk et Byk 2004; Mokrzycki 2011). Sawoniewicz (2013). Hilszczański (2008) used photoeclec- Research concerning communities of saproxylic beetles in tor traps without artificial light source to catch insects from winter period was conducted by: Wiąckowski (1957), Lik bark of dead spruce. Many foreign publications are dedi- and Barczak (2005) and Hilszczański (2008). Perliński and cated to saproxylic beetles caught with the use of different Sawoniewicz (2011) presented changes in Elateridae larvae types of eclectors (Gibb et al. 2006; Lachat et al. 2006; Topp number within 12 consecutive months. The lack of publica- et al. 2006; Alinvi et al. 2007; Hjältén et al. 2010; Irmler et tions, so far, showing systematic description of changes in al. 2010; Bouget et al. 2011). These publications, however, number of saproxylic beetles in particular months is proba- does not concern directly seasonal dynamics of communities bly connected with difficulties regarding collection of the of those insects.

Received: 01.03.2014, reviewed: 21.03.2014, accepted after revision: 02.02.2015. © 2015 M. Sawoniewicz 214 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220

The aim of this study is to learn about seasonal changes in environment, hollows and so on; F1 – species optionally con- number of saproxylic beetles connected with birch on area nected with decaying trees or decomposed wood; F0 – spe- of Kampinos National Park. cies not connected with decomposed wood. Particular species Within this study, a hypothesis was adopted that during a were divided also into trophic groups: F – phytophagous, K – year, the number of specimen and species of saproxylic beetles xylophagous, M – mycophagous (in this group also myxomy- settling birch rotten wood microhabitat undergoes changes. cophagous is included), N – necrophagous, S – saprophagous, Z – zoophagous. During calculations, only one form of fe- 2. Area of research and methodology eding was taken into consideration, despite the fact that some of the species were qualified into two trophic groups. Profes- The research was conducted in the area of Laski Protec- sional literature was the base for division of species into suita- tive Circle in Kampinos National Park. Experimental areas ble fidelity class and trophic group (see: Sawoniewicz 2013). were localised in 10 most frequently occurring site types Ward method (analysis of resemblance) was used for (see: Perliński et Sawoniewicz 2011; Sawoniewicz 2013). comparing groups of beetles caught in particular months. Research material was collected for 12 consecutive months, Program Statistica was used for calculations. from April 2008 to March 2009. In second half of each month, from every experimental area, collected were three 2-litre sam- 3. Research results ples of birch touchwood (Betula spp.). Jointly, from all expe- rimental areas collected were 360 samples in form of strongly During research, caught were 3256 specimen of beetles decomposed wood from various rotten wood microhabitats. To- in imago stage. They represented 206 species and 37 fami- uchwood collected in the field was subsequently transferred to lies. One of the specimen was marked only to genus and was laboratory, where with the use of photoeclectors (with artificial excluded from further analysis. In Sawoniewicz (2013) pu- light), the beetles were roused out. For this study purpose, only blication, found can be a list of caught species with division adult specimen of beetles were taken into consideration. Precise to fidelity classes and trophic groups. description of research area, features of particular rotten wood The most species of beetles (78) were caught in April, and the microhabitats and the process of rousing out the beetles was least (43) in January. June was characterised by the highest num- described in publication of Perliński and Sawoniewicz (2011). ber of specimen (448) and January by the lowest number (115). Species of caught beetles were classified into appropriate Table 1 shows, in percentage, the seasonal dynamics of fidelity class: occurrence of the most numerous species. F3 – species connected necessarily with strongly decompo- In particular months of research, the birch rotten wood sed wood; F2 – species less strongly connected with decom- microhabitat was characterised by relatively constant compo- posed wood, preferring fructification of tree fungi, subcortical sition of dominant species. Seasonal changes of species com-

Table 1. Seasonal dynamics of the most abundant species

Month Species I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII (%) Pteryx suturalis (Heer, 1841) 0.3 0.3 6.3 10.4 6.6 11.3 17.0 6.3 7.8 16.7 16.7 0.3 Scaphisoma agaricinum (Linnaeus, 1758) 3.4 1.5 1.9 12.8 11.7 11.7 5.6 16.9 9.8 16.2 5.3 3.4 Euplectus nanus (Reichenbach, 1816) 2.0 1.5 6.5 14.1 13.6 12.1 10.1 13.1 4.0 1.0 16.6 5.5 Gabrius splendidulus (Gravenhorst, 1802) 4.6 1.7 20.6 9.7 9.7 6.3 7.4 9.1 8.6 6.3 8.6 7.4 (Fabricius, 1792) 6.0 3.0 3.0 39.8 7.8 5.4 4.2 10.2 3.0 1.2 12.7 3.6 Sepedophilus testaceus (Fabricius, 1793) 0.6 17.6 13.3 15.2 6.7 7.3 15.8 15.2 3.0 1.8 3.6 Microscydmus minimus (Chaudoir, 1845) 17.1 2.4 16.3 2.4 22.0 5.7 7.3 10.6 4.9 4.9 4.9 1.6 Ptinella aptera (Guérin-Ménéville, 1839) 1.6 3.3 58.5 13.8 4.1 9.8 4.1 2.4 2.4 Gyrophaena minima Erichson, 1837 98.0 1.0 1.0 Bibloporus bicolor (Denny, 1825) 1.3 1.3 11.5 34.6 7.7 14.1 20.5 3.8 5.1 Cis fagi (Waltl, 1839) 1.4 2.8 2.8 7.0 35.2 2.8 15.5 11.3 1.4 1.4 18.3 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220 215

Month Species I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII (%) Ennearthron cornutum (Gyllenhal, 1827) 1.5 6.0 1.5 28.4 14.9 3.0 7.5 4.5 13.4 7.5 11.9 Dinaraea angustula (Gyllenhal, 1810) 5.5 3.6 7.3 7.3 9.1 9.1 7.3 10.9 10.9 3.6 21.8 3.6 Cis castaneus (Herbst, 1793) 9.3 3.7 1.9 1.9 5.6 11.1 18.5 24.1 20.4 1.9 1.9 Euplectus karstenii (Reichenbach, 1816) 1.9 28.3 20.8 11.3 11.3 7.5 3.8 7.5 7.5 Cis micans (Fabricius, 1792) 37.8 24.4 4.4 33.3 Bibloplectus tenebrosus (Reitter, 1880) 52.3 9.1 18.2 4.5 11.4 4.5 Dyschirius globosus (Herbst, 1784) 26.3 13.2 21.1 13.2 2.6 13.2 2.6 2.6 5.3 Corticaria longicollis (Zetterstedt, 1838) 5.4 5.4 35.1 5.4 24.3 2.7 8.1 13.5 Micridium halidaii (Matthews, 1868) 10.8 16.2 8.1 18.9 2.7 35.1 8.1 Oxypselaphus obscurus (Herbst, 1784) 8.1 27.0 18.9 8.1 10.8 5.4 5.4 16.2 Saulcyella schmidtii (Märkel, 1845) 8.1 10.8 24.3 2.7 2.7 2.7 37.8 10.8 Phosphuga atrata (Linnaeus, 1758) 12.5 9.4 28.1 12.5 37.5 Plegaderus caesus (Herbst, 1792) 6.7 10.0 3.3 16.7 16.7 3.3 13.3 3.3 6.7 10.0 3.3 6.7 Agathidium seminulum (Linnaeus, 1758) 3.8 3.8 3.8 26.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 19.2 7.7 7.7 11.5 3.8 Bolitophagus reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1767) 4.3 8.7 30.4 17.4 26.1 4.3 8.7 Ampedus pomorum (Herbst, 1784) 13.6 13.6 27.3 9.1 4.5 9.1 9.1 13.6 Dexiogyia corticina Thomson, 1858 5.3 15.8 42.1 15.8 15.8 5.3 Dinaraea aequata (Erichson, 1837) 5.3 15.8 10.5 5.3 15.8 21.1 21.1 5.3 Octotemnus glabriculus (Gyllenhal, 1827) 10.5 5.3 84.2 Cortinicara gibbosa (Herbst, 1793) 11.1 22.2 16.7 11.1 5.6 5.6 5.6 16.7 5.6 Euplectus punctatus Mulsant et Rey, 1861 11.1 11.1 61.1 5.6 5.6 5.6 Geostiba circellaris (Gravenhorst, 1806) 5.6 11.1 11.1 16.7 33.3 22.2 Phloeocharis subtilissima Mannerheim, 1830 44.4 11.1 11.1 5.6 5.6 22.2 Phloeopora teres (Gravenhorst, 1802) 5.6 61.1 22.2 5.6 5.6 Anthobium atrocephalum (Gyllenhal, 1827) 11.8 23.5 23.5 23.5 5.9 5.9 5.9 Lathrobium longulum (Gravenhorst, 1802 5.9 41.2 5.9 23.5 5.9 11.8 5.9 Phloeonomus punctipennis (Thomson, 1867 5.9 94.1 Liodopria serricornis (Gyllenhal, 1813) 6.3 75.0 6.3 6.3 6.3 Stenus humilis (Erichson, 1839) 6.3 6.3 18.8 25.0 18.8 18.8 6.3 Atheta gagatina (Baudi di Selve, 1848) 6.7 6.7 80.0 67 Stephens, 1830 14.3 21.4 14.3 28.6 14.3 7.1 Scaphidium quadrimaculatum Olivier, 1790 35.7 7.1 14.3 42.9 Agonum micans (Nicolai, 1822) 15.4 30.8 38.5 15.4 Agonum viduum (Panzer, 1796) 8.3 50.0 16.7 25.0 Anisotoma humeralis (Fabricius, 1792) 25.0 16.7 58.3 Cis boleti (Scopoli, 1763) 8.3 33.3 25.0 8.3 16.7 8.3 Euconnus pubicollis (Müller et Kunze, 1822) 25.0 16.7 16.7 16.7 25.0 Trixagus dermestoides (Linnaeus, 1767) 8.3 8.3 33.3 8.3 33.3 8.3 Neuraphes elongatulus (Müller et Kunze, 1822) 18.2 27.3 9.1 9.1 36.4 216 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220

Pteryx suturalis Scaphisoma agaricinum Euplectus nanus 70 Gabrius splendidulus Cerylon histeroides Sepedophilus testaceus

60

50

40

30

Number of specimens 20 Figure 1. Seasonal dynamics of P. 10 suturalis, S. agaricinum, E. nanus, G. splendidulus, C. histeroides i S. testaceus 0 Figure 1. Seasonal dynamics of P. I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII suturalis, S. agaricinum, E. nanus, G. Month splendidulus, C. histeroides i S. testaceus

35 33 F3 F2 F1 F0

30 26 24 24 24 25 23

20 19 20 20 17 17 17 17 17 16 16 13 15 15 15 15 15 14 13 10 14 15 13 1113 12 12 11 11 11 10 10 1010 9

Number of Number species 10 8 77 777 7 6 4 5

0 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Month Figure 2. NumberNumber ofof species species belonging belonging to to different different classes classes of fidelityof fidelity caught caught in particular in particular months months (F3 – (F3species – species strongly strongly dependent dependent on on decaying wood; F2F2 –– speciesspecies less less dependent dependent on on decaying decaying wood, wood, preferring preferring wood wood fungi, fungi, the the subcortical subcortical environment, environment, tree tree hollows, hollows, etc.; etc.; F1 –F1 species– species optionally optionally associated associated with with decaying decaying wood wood or orweakened weakened trees; trees; F0 F0 – species– species not not associated associated with with decaying decaying wood) wood) position concerned most of all taxa that were caught in small species. The most species optionally connected with dead wood number. Figure 1 shows seasonal changes in number of six (F1) were caught in spring and autumn months. In early spring most numerous species of beetles noted in birch touchwood. and autumn months, noted was the largest number of species Among caught beetles, species connected with subcortical from class F0. In autumn and winter months, the differences in environment, fructifications of tree fungi and hollows (F2) were number of species of particular fidelity classes were the smallest. a dominant group in all months (except for November) (Fig. 2). In spring and summer months, observed can be a vivid Second, in terms of number of species, fidelity class was the disproportion between number of specimen from classes F1 class of beetles necessarily connected with decomposed wood and F0, and F3 and F2 (Fig. 3). The most specimen from and rotten wood habitat (F3). Their appearance was noticeable class F2 were caught in spring and summer months, and from April to September and in January and February. In re- from class F3 in spring, summer and autumn months. In maining months, beetles not connected with decomposed wood winter months, the differences in number of caught speci- (F0) constituted a second fidelity class in terms of number of men in particular fidelity classes were the smallest. 250 244 231 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, F3Vol. F276 (3): F1 213–220 F0 217 250 244 231 194 200 F3 F2 F1 F0 250 244 181 186 231 194 F3 F2 F1 F0 200 144181 186 140 140 150 194 200 129 121 181 186 144 140 140 150 107 102 105 Figure 3. Number of 93 94 129 95 100 121 144 140 140 86 specimens belonging to 80 150 74 74 different classes of fidelity 107 102 105 129 Figure 3. Number of Number of specimens 121 93 94 95 caught in particular months 100 86 43 specimens belonging to 48 38 80 107 102 105 (explanationsFigure 3. Number as in Fig. of 2) 50 74 93 94 95 74 different classes of fidelity 36 30 40

Number of specimens 28 100 24 26 25 86 24 16 specimens belonging to 80 2221 22 16 2019 20 caught in particular months 12 17 74 17 17 13 74 different classes of fidelity 48 38 15 9 43

Number of specimens 8 50 9 (explanations as in Fig. 2) 36 30 40 28 caught in particular months 0 48 22 24 26 25 24 43 16 38 21 17 22 16 2019 20 (explanations as in Fig. 2) 50 12 17 15 17 13 I36 II III30 IV40 V VI9 VII8 VIII9 IX X XI XII 28 22 24 26 25 24 16 21 17 22 16 2019 20 12 17 15 Month17 13 Figure 3. Number of 0 9 8 9 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII specimens belonging to 0 different classes of fidelity Month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII caught in particular months Month F3 F2 F1 F0 (explanations as in Fig. 2) 100% 15.4 18.0 15.4 14.0 90% 23.3 20.8 19.2 23.6 24.2 27.8 24.6 F3 F229.3 F1 F0 80% 7.7 14.0 15.4 12.0 100% 14.6 16.7 70% 11.3 12.3 16.3 20.0 14.0 19.2 15.4 18.0 15.4 90% 23.3 20.8 23.6 24.2 18.5 24.6 60% 27.8 2922.34 80% 467.7.2 15.4 14.0 Figure 4. Proportion of 50% 40.0 1240.0 48.0 1435.64 16.7 38.7 70% 34.9 42.3 11.3 1240.34 species belonging to 40% 16.3 20.0 36.4 1831.5 different classes of fidelity 60% 2229.43 Figure 4. Proportion of 30% caught in particular months Proportion of Proportion species species belonging to 46.2 (explanationsFigure 4. Proportion as in Fig. of2) 50% 40.0 40.0 48.0 different classes of fidelity 20% 35.4 38.7 species belonging to 34.9 29.2 42.3 29.2 30.0 30.8 40.4 caught in particular months 40% 25.6 24.0 25.8 10% 3620.40 21.8 3122.52 19.0 22.8 different classes of fidelity 29.3 (explanations as in Fig. 2) 30% caught in particular months Proportion of Proportion species 0% (explanationsFigure 4. Proportion as in Fig. 2) 20% I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII of species belonging to 29.2 29.2 30.0 30.8 25.6 Month 24.0 25.8 10% 20.0 21.8 22.2 19.0 22.8 different classes of fidelity caught in particular months 0% Month (explanations as in Fig. 2) I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Month F3 F2 F1 F0

2.9 100% 4.2 4.9 10.2 6.0 6.4 4.2 9.1 8.F33 F27.5 F1 F0 14.8 13.2 4.8 90% 9.3 2.0 17.4 3.0 2.9 5.8 8.7 9.0 100% F3 F2 F1 F0 12.8 4.2 4.9 80% 10.4 13.8 10.2 6.0 6.4 4.2 9.1 8.3 7.5 14.8 13.2 4.8 2.9 9.9 100%90% 9.3 2.0 17.4 4.2 4.9 383.0.2 5.8 8.7 9.0 70% 10.2 6.0 6.4 4.2 9.1 8.3 7.5 14.8 13.2 12.8 504.8.7 51.6 35.4 90%80% 10.4 13.8 9.3 2.0 37.4 17.4 60% 31.5 3.0 62.8 505.8.9 8.7 9.0 9.9 33.0 12.8 56.6 80%70% 10.4 38.2 13.8 51.6 9.9 50% 50.3 50.7 37.4 35.4 46.0 Figure 5. Proportion of 31.5 38.2 62.8 70%60% 33.0 50.9 specimens belonging to 40% 56.6 50.7 51.6 35.4 37.4 different classes of fidelity 60%50% 31.5 62.8 50.9 46.0 Figure 5. Proportion of 30% 33.0 50.3 56.6

Proportion of specimens caught in particular months 52.4 specimens belonging to 50%40% 45.5 45.7 48.1 46.0 Figure 5. Proportion of 20% 41.7 50.3 40.3 41.5 different(explanations classes as in of Fig. fidelity 2) 34.2 Figure 5. Proportion of 40%30% 28.1 30.1 26.7 specimens belonging to

Proportion of specimens caught in particular months 10% 22.6 52.4 45.5 45.7 48.1 differentspecimens classes belonging of fidelity to 30%20% 41.7 40.3 41.5 (explanations as in Fig. 2)

Proportion of specimens caughtdifferent in particularclasses of fidelity months 0% 52.4 30.1 34.2 45.5 28.1 45.7 48.1 26.7 20%10% 41I.7 22 II.6 III IV40 V.3 41 VI.5 VII VIII IX X XI XII (explanationscaught in particular as in Fig. months 2) 34.2 28.1 Month 30.1 26.7 (explanations as in Fig. 2) 10%0% 22.6 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII 0% Month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII Month 218 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220

In spring–summer period, the share of species belonging to saprophagous and zoophagous groups increased. The share of fidelity classes F1 and F0 decreased, while the share of classes specimen from zoophagous group was the highest in late-autumn F3 and F2 increased (Fig. 4). The share of specimen belonging and winter. The share of specimen from saprophagous group was to F1 and F0 fidelity classes decreased in spring–summer pe- the highest in summer and autumn, and mycophagous (jointly riod (Fig. 5). In this period, observed was also the increase of with myxomycophagous) in the spring and summer (Fig. 7). share of specimen from F2 class. Changes in percentage share The analysis of resemblance of beetles communities caught of specimen belonging to F3 class did not show a visible trend in particular months allowed to distinguish two separate com- in particular months. The number of saprophagous and zoopha- munities of beetles (Fig. 8). First one of them (for simplification gous species caught in summer months decreased. However, named ‘summer community’) includes beetles caught in late the most mycophagous species (jointly with myxomycophago- spring and summer months (from May to September). The second us) were caught in spring–summer period (Fig. 6). one (‘winter community’) includes beetles occurring in autumn, In spring–summer period, the number of caught specimen that winter and early spring months (from October to April). Both belonged to mycophagous (jointly with myxomycophagous), communities are characterised by similar number of species cau-

M+Mx S Z F+K+N+? Figure 6. Proportion of species 100% 7.3 6.4 5.6 belonging to a trophic group of: 10.4 11.5 10.0 9.7 11.6 12.3 12.1 15.8 90% 16.0 phytophagous (F), xylophagous (K), mycophagous (M), myxo- 80% mycophagous (Mx), necroph- agous (N), saprophagous (S), 70% 50.0 40.0 51.9 52.7 40.0 40.4 46.8 zoophagous (Z) and not as- 54.2 40.0 40.4 60% 53.4 signed to a group of trophic (?) species 62.8

of Figurecaught 6. in Proportion particular ofmonths 50% 10.0 species belonging to a trophic 11.5 40% 15.4 group of: phytophagous 12.0 12.3 9.1 16.7 12.9 (F), xylophagous (K),

Proportion 20.4 30% 8.3 17.2 mycophagous (M), 7.0 myxomycophagous 20% 36.5 40.0 32.3 32.0 31.6 27.1 30.9 26.9 30.6 (Mx), necrophagous (N), 22.2 10% 18.6 17.2 saprophagous (S), zoophagous (Z) and not assigned to 0% I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII a group of trophic (?) caught in Month particular months

M+Mx S Z F+K+N+? Figure 7. Proportion of spec- 3.8 1.7 2.3 3.6 1.6 3.6 1.3 2.6 imens belonging to a trophic 100% 6.1 6.4 5.2 7.5 group of: phytophagous (F), 90% xylophagous (K), mycoph- 23.2 29.6 agous (M), myxomycoph- 80% 36.2 39.0 33.3 34.9 agous (Mx), necrophagous 45.1 50.4 70% 59.6 (N), saprophagous (S), zooph- 60.4 49.1 61.7 agous (Z) and not assigned to 60% 26.8 9.4 16.4 Figurea group 7. Proportionof trophic of ( ?) caught 50% 14.8 37.8 in particular months 30.3 specimens belonging 10.1 40% 6.8 to a trophic group of: 7.5 11.9 26.1 phytophagous (F), xylophagous

Proportion of specimens 30% 6.1 52.8 (K), mycophagous (M), 43.9 46.4 45.1 myxomycophagous 20% 38.4 36.6 31.1 31.3 26.1 28.3 26.8 (Mx), necrophagous (N), 10% 20.9 saprophagous (S), zoophagous (Z) and not assigned to 0% I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII a group of trophic (?) caught in Month particular months M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220 219

12 As much as 53.7% of saproxylic beetles can be found in dead trunks during wintertime, according to Piotrowski and Wołek 11 (1975). Some of them settle in rotten wood microhabitat only during hibernation. Kaczmarek (1958), by examining winter 10 activity of soil invertebrates in Kampinos National Park, stated that some of the species from Carabidae family show higher ac- 9 tivity in late autumn than in the summer. This author proved ad- ditionally that some beetles, inter alia those from Carabidae and 8 Staphylinidae families, are active during winter. That research did not concern directly saproxylic entomofauna, but it seems 7 likely, that some of the beetles connected with rotten wood microhabitat may show similar activity during winter. Lik and 6 Barczak (2005) showed, that number of species in Ciidae family changes in particular seasons of the year, reaching the highest 5 IX VIII VII VI V IV XII III II XI X I value during autumn–winter period. Research conducted in Month Kampinos National Park confirm the differences in composition and structure of communities in particular seasons of the year. Figure 8. 8. Dendrogram Dendrogram of similarityof similarity between between communities communities of of beetles collectedcollected in in particular particular months months (Ward’s (Ward’s method) method) − on − theon the Those differences are particularly visible between warm and basis of presence oror absenceabsence of of particular particular species species cold months. That is why in order to receive a full composition of species and a structure of saproxylic beetles communities, the research should be conducted also off the vegetative period. ght in particular months. In case of ‘summer community’, on ave- The biggest seasonal changes in structure of insects appe- rage, caught were 55.8 species (331.2 specimen), while in case of aring on pine trunks in the beginning of vegetative period, as ‘winter community’ – 56.1 species (228.4 specimen). In ‘summer Wiąckowski (1957) claims, occur from April to June. In this community’ dominant species were: Bibloporus bicolor, Cery- period, the majority of insects undergoes pupation, swarm lon histeroides, Cis fagi, Euplectus nanus, Gabrius splendidulus, and lay eggs. Similar results were also obtained by different Gyrophaena minima, Microscydmus minimus, Octotemnus gla- authors who focussed on this subject matter (Schlaghamer- briculus, Pteryx suturalis, Ptinella aptera, Saulcyella schmidtii, ský 2000; Byk et Byk 2004; Gutowski et al. 2010; Mokrzyc- Scaphisoma agaricinum and Sepedophilus testaceus. In ‘winter ki 2011). Research conducted for the needs of following community’, dominant were: Bibloplectus tenebrosus, Cerylon study confirm the difference between communities of beet- histeroides, Cis fagi, C. micans, Dyschirius globosus, Euplectus les appearing in touchwood in particular months of the year. nanus, Gabrius splendidulus, Micridium halidaii, Microscydmus Piotrowski and Wołk (1975), Gutowski 2006, and Hilsz- minimus, Phloeonomus punctipennis, Phloeopora teres, Pho- czański (2008) note that leaving dead trees allow to improve the sphuga atrata, Pteryx suturalis, Scaphisoma agaricinum and conditions for development of predatory and parasitic insects. Sepedophilus testaceus. Average number of species belonging to Many of them use decomposing trunks as a shelter during un- mycophagous (jointly with myxomycophagous) was higher in favourable thermal conditions. Predatory beetles constituted ‘summer community’. However, average number of zoophagous 40.5% of all specimen caught in birch touchwood (Sawonie- species was higher in ‘winter community’. wicz 2013), whereof 39.5% of specimen appeared there during hibernation (from November to March). These results confirm, 4. Discussion that the wood of dead birches may be very significant as a place to hibernate for predatory beetles. The phenomenon of quantitative and qualitative dynamics in different seasons is characteristic for communities of forest 5. Conclusions insects. Seasonal dynamics of beetles’ numbers can result from intra-population characteristics of species in given community. 1. The most species and specimen of adult beetles were Seasonal dynamic can be also caused by influence of abiotic caught in spring, and the least in winter. It is connected environment factors (such as length of the day, temperature, directly with lifecycle of those insects. Many species of be- humidity). These factors can influence directly on given etles metamorphose and smarm in the beginning of vegetati- or indirectly on its host or host plant (Szujecki 1980). Insect de- ve period but hibernate in preimaginal stage. velopment, transfer of younger stages into older, can also be the 2. In winter months, the differences in number of speci- cause of seasonal changes occurring in saproxylic entomofauna men in particular classes of fidelity with regard to strongly (Wiąckowski 1957). decomposed wood were the smallest. It is connected with 220 M. Sawoniewicz / Leśne Prace Badawcze, 2015, Vol. 76 (3): 213–220 migration of species not connected with touchwood but se- wych w drzewostanach sosnowych Puszczy Piskiej. Leśne Prace arching for a place to hibernate. Badawcze 71(3): 279−298. DOI: 10.2478/v10111-010-0024-z. 3. There are two separate communities of beetles connec- Hilszczański J. 2008. Kora zamarłych świerków jako miejsce zi- ted with decomposing birch wood. First one of them (‘sum- mowania owadzich drapieżników związanych z kambio- i ksy- mer community’) includes insects occurring in late spring lofagami. Leśne Prace Badawcze 69(1): 15–19. Hjältén J., Stenbacka F., Andersson J. 2010. Saproxylic beetle assem- and summer months. The second one (‘winter community’) blages on low stumps, high stumps and logs: Implications for includes beetles occurring in this environment in autumn, environmental effects of stump harvesting. Forest Ecology and winter and early spring months. Management 260: 1149–1155. DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2010.07.003. 4. In order to recognise the structure of community of beetles Irmler U., Arp H., Nötzold R. 2010. Species richness of saprox- connected with dead trees, it is recommended to conduct the re- ylic beetles in woodlands is affected by dispersion ability of search for a whole year. Photoeclectors with artificial source of species, age and stand size. Journal of Insect Conservation 14: light allow to catch the insects during hibernation. That is why 227–235. DOI: 10.1007/s10841-009-9249-7. those devices seem to be appropriate for this type of research. Kaczmarek M. 1958. Obserwacje nad aktywnością zimową bez- kręgowców gleb leśnych. Ekologia Polska, B 4(1): 53–62. Lachat T., Nagel P., Cakpo Y., Attignon S., Goergen G., Sinsin B., Pe- Conflict of interest veling R. 2006. Dead wood and saproxylic beetle assemblages in a semi-deciduous forest in Southern Benin. Forest Ecology and The Author declares lack of potential conflicts. Management 225: 27–38. DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2005.12.025. Lik M., Barczak T. 2005. Sezonowa dynamika liczebności chrzą- szczy z rodziny Ciidae w różnych typach siedlisk leśnych. Syl- Acknowledgement and financial support wan 149(10): 54–60. Mokrzycki T. 2011. 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Translated by: Anna Wyszyńska