Abstract
We evaluated surface-dwelling Coleoptera with special reference to ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) using pitfall traps across fourteen stands of grasslands invaded and non-invaded by invasive goldenrods (Solidago canadensis L. and S. gigantea Ait.) over a 3 year period. We analysed differences in assemblages of invaded and non-invaded grasslands and tested responses of surface-dwelling beetles and carabids to invasion of goldenrods. We identified 29 Coleoptera families and 91 Carabidae species. Solidago invaded grasslands showed significantly higher activity-abundance of rove and carrion beetles and supported greater diversity and significantly higher evenness of surface-dwelling Coleoptera and the number of sampled families and individuals was higher too. We found lower taxonomic richness and significantly lower activity-abundance of carabids across goldenrods stands. Several less common Carabidae species and significantly higher representation of stenotopic brachypterous habitat specialists were also observed within invaded stands. We confirmed that differences in plant cover connected with invasion of goldenrods, soil moisture and abandonment of invaded habitats are the driving mechanisms of changes in surface-dwelling Coleoptera and ground beetles assemblages composition across Solidago invaded grasslands. Overall, changes of grassland biotopes connected with invasion of goldenrods significantly alter Coleoptera families and Carabidae assemblages, but not necessarily reduce diversity.
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Acknowledgments
We appreciate the methodical assistance of Lukáš Čížek from the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre AS CR, v.v.i. We also would like to thank to Dr. Tim Shreeve for revising the English text and to anonymous referees for very careful review of our paper, and for the comments, corrections and suggestions. The research was supported by University of Prešov in Prešov Grant agency for PhD. students and young researchers.
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Baranová, B., Manko, P. & Jászay, T. Differences in surface-dwelling beetles of grasslands invaded and non-invaded by goldenrods (Solidago canadensis, S. gigantea) with special reference to Carabidae. J Insect Conserv 18, 623–635 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9666-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9666-0