On the distribution and biology of Elater ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Russia

Abstract

Saproxylic beetle communities play an important bioindicator role in the assessment of biodiversity status in forest habitats. These Coleoptera communities also contain a considerable number of threatened species with a low abundance throughout their range. One of these species is Elater ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Elateridae), a threatened species that inhabits old, hollow, deciduous trees. Elater ferrugineus is protected in many European countries, including Russia. In the present study, we provide new data on the distribution of this rare and protected species in Russia. The species has been recorded for the first time in Ulyanovsk Region, Ryazan Region, and Voronezh Region, and it is currently indicated in the fauna of 23 Russian regions. The phenology, habitat preferences, and some other aspects of ecology of Elater ferrugineus in Russia have been characterised. The main period of activity of adult individuals was observed from the third decade of June to the third decade of July. The species is mainly found in various types of deciduous forests (dominated by trees of the genera Quercus, Tilia, Acer, Populus, and Fagus) and in mixed forests. In addition, our research also revealed the presence of Elater ferrugineus in pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest complexes. A general set of measures is proposed to ensure the protection and monitoring of Elater ferrugineus. It is recommended that Elater ferrugineus ferrugineus needs to be included in Red Data Books of all regions where it is known, because at present this species still has no conservation status in several regions of Russia.