Invertebrates inhabiting fruiting bodies of <em>Heterobasidion </em>spp. on decayed wood of <em>Picea abies</em>

Abstract

Due to the decomposition of wood and the formation of conspicuous fruiting bodies, saproxylic basidiomycetes not only provide microhabitats for many invertebrate species, but can also cause great losses to forestry. Among these, pathogenic fungi from the genus Heterobasidion are the major causative agents of root rot in conifers of temperate and boreal forests. However, despite the ecological and economic importance, information on invertebrates inhabiting fruiting bodies of Heterobasidion spp. is scarce. Such information can provide a better understanding on how the control of root rot could affect invertebrates, including threatened species, inhabiting fruiting bodies of Heterobasidion spp. These effects can be expected due to changes in microhabitat conditions and substrate availability. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of invertebrates in fruiting bodies of Heterobasidion spp. growing on decayed wood of Picea abies. The fruiting bodies of Heterobasidion spp. were sampled in autumn 2016 from large dimension logging residuals with an average diameter of 25 centimeters. In the laboratory, invertebrates from 69 fruiting bodies were collected using Tullgren funnel traps. A total of 4987 individual invertebrates, including larvae, representing 16 orders were collected. The samples were dominated by mites, springtails, beetles, millipedes and true flies. None of the invertebrate species found in Heterobasidion fruiting bodies represented a threatened species. The study provided comprehensive data on invertebrates inhabiting Heterobasidion fruiting bodies. It also demonstrated that the control of Heterobasidion root rot is likely not affecting the threatened species of invertebrates.