Dynamics of abundance of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in fenced areas in the Cis-Altai plain (Western Siberia)

Abstract

The density of ground beetle populations was estimated by means of fenced pitfall traps in 2004–2008, in the environs of Biisk (Altai Territory) and Karasuk (Novosibirsk Province). In all, 64 species of ground beetles were revealed. The capture rates were usually higher in open than in fenced plots. No correlation was observed between the time of trap exposure and the captures. By the end of the 3rd–6th week of exposure, the fraction of juvenile and immature adults increased. The beetles captured within a fenced area 1 m2 usually fell into the traps in 2–3 days. The maximal density of carabids in the fenced areas was estimated at 55–60 ind./m2.