Fungivorous beetles in basidiocarps of Fomes fomentarius respond differently to microhabitat variables

This study investigates the influence of microhabitat on the presence of several species of fungivorous beetles in basidiocarps of Fomes fomentarius (L.) Kickx. All dead basidiocarps of F. fomentarius from fragments of forest in an agricultural landscape in Norway were sampled and dissected, and their content of Cis jacquemarti Mellié, 1848/C. alter (Silvferberg, 1991) (did not distinguish between individuals of these two species), C. bidentatus (Olivier, 1790), C. lineatocribratus Mellié, 1848, Ennearthron cornutum (Gyllenhal, 1827) (Ciidae) and Dorcatoma dresdensis Herbst, 1792 (Anobiidae) were identified. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that these species responded differently to the microhabitat variables. The incidence of these beetles was associated with the size (volume), position (height above ground) and moisture content of the basidiocarps. The analyses also indicated possible interspecific interactions between some of the beetles. The presence of some of the species mainly in basidiocarps at particular stages of degradation indicates a successional pattern of occurrence of these species. Together these results indicate that basidiocarps of F. fomentarius are a heterogeneous resource for fungivorous beetles. This has implications for conservation: To preserve the diversity of fungivores, sufficient dead wood has to be left in forests to assure an adequate supply of F. fomentarius basidiocarps of different quality.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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