Stork, N.E., Hammond, P.M., Russell,
B.L. and Hadwen, W.L. (2001) The
spatial distribution of beetles within the canopies of oak trees in
Richmond Park, U.K. Ecological Entomology 26, 302-311
This is a paper about a survey of the canopy beetle fauna of 36 different
oak trees (Quercus robur) sampled between April and November 1984 in
Richmond Park, London. 696 one square metre collecting trays were placed
beneath the oak tree canopies at varying distances from the tree trunk and
at various compass angles. The canopy of the trees was 'fogged' with
insecticide and the beetles trapped in the trays were identified. Over 5000
adult beetles were collected of 144 species, with a mean capture of 8
beetles/tray (max 51 but 37 of the trays caught zero). The species richness
was a mean of 4.2 species/tray (max 17 species) and 18.9 species/tree. For
total species or total abundance, t here was no pronounced pattern for
compass orientation or distance from the trunk, but certain species did
show a pattern. For example, several species showed greater abundance near
the trunk, such as the weevil Strophosoma malanogrammum, the cerambycid
Leiopus nebulosus, the carabids Dromius agilis and Agonum assimile, and the
rare elaterid Agrilis pannonicus. Some weevil species showed a preference
for the outer canopy, such as Curculio pyrrhoceras and Rhynchaenus
signifer. It is concluded that careful attention to sampling design is
necessary when carrying out ecological studies of beetles on trees.
Get copy of the article from Dr Stork. Nigel.Stork@jcu.edu.au
Dr. Stuart Warrington
Department of Environmental Sciences
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Herts.
AL10 9AB
U.K.
Tel: 01707 284137
Fax: 01707 285258 |
Back
|