Variability of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) cone entomofauna in the Tatra National Park in association with the development of cones

Abstract

In the years 1987–1993 research aimed at the qualitative and quantitative composition of insects inhabiting the cones of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) was carried out in the area of the Tatra National Park (Poland) for the first time. Approximately 72 thousand specimens of insects were obtained, representing 50 species from 8 orders. Kaltenbachiola strobi (Winn.), Plemeliella abietina Seitn. and Cydia strobilella L. were among the most frequently occurring species. The entomofauna of ripening, ripe and old, already lignified cones was determined, and among the insects found trophic groups were distinguished and, consequently, characterized by means of the following ecological indexes: constancy, dominance and species diversity. The qualitative and quantitative composition of spruce (P. abies) cone entomofauna was changing along with the development of the cones, due to the periods of occupancy and leaving the cones by species of varied bioecology. The entomofauna of ripe cones was characterized by higher species diversity (42 species) than that of ripening cones (25 species) and old cones (26 species).