Assemblage structure and altitudinal distribution of lady beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in the mountain spruce forests of Poľana Mountains, the West Carpathians
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2007 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Biologia (Bratislava) |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | Coccinellidae; ladybirds; Picea abies; altitudinal gradient; assemblage structure; distribution pattern; Central |
| Description | We recorded a total of 3,636 individuals and 17 species of adult lady beetles (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) in the spruce forests of Poľana Mts at altitudes ranging from 600 m to 1,300 m a.s.l. Four lady beetle species were documented as predominating over the study period: Aphidecta obliterata, Coccinella septempunctata, Adalia conglomerata and Anatis ocellata. The assemblages of lady beetles differed among the areas and also between the years. The season revealed neglegible effect on distribution of lady beetles, whereas the effect of altitude was more pronounced. A. conglomerata preferred the areas at lower altitude (600 to 725 m) to those at middle (900 to 925 m) and/or upper altitude (1,250 to 1,300 m). In contrast, A. obliterata and C. septempuctata were most abundant in the area at middle altitude. The great proportion of lady beetle species not typically associated with spruce and/or other coniferous trees than spruce may be explained by an ecotonal effect. |
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