Abstract
Abstract Litter-dwelling arthropods play an important role in maintaining forest ecosystem function. This study was designed to understand seasonal variations and diversity of litter-dwelling adult beetles, one of the most diverse groups of arthropods. Sampling was conducted in mixed-wood forests of South Korea between March and December 2019, covering all seasons, including winter. We used a sifting method and a Berlese funnel to collect arthropods living in leaf litter and soil. We collected a total of 5820 invertebrates representing six orders, of which 1422 were beetles representing 24 families and minimum 141 species. Beetle species richness was highest in spring and lowest in summer based on rarefaction and extrapolation. However, beetle abundance was lowest in spring, but abundance was similar among the other seasons. Beetle assemblage composition was correlated significantly with soil surface and atmospheric temperature. The assemblage composition differed among seasons, except between spring and winter, which overlapped slightly. The combined sifting–Berlese funnel method showed great advantages for investigating the diversity of overwintering arthropods. Continued study of the relationship between arthropods and the leaf-litter environment is essential to understand this microecosystem and will increase the chance of discovering new beetle species.
Highlights
Arthropods account for more than 80% of animal species, among which litter-dwelling invertebrates account for a large proportion of the world’s biodiversity (Ødegaard 2000)
General results A total of 5820 arthropods, representing six classes, were collected over four seasons (Supplementary material, Table S1)
The minute hooded beetle, Lewisium japonicum (Corylophidae), was the dominant species collected among the beetles, with 376 individuals, and accounted for 26% of the total beetle catch
Summary
Arthropods account for more than 80% of animal species, among which litter-dwelling invertebrates account for a large proportion of the world’s biodiversity (Ødegaard 2000). They represent important food sources for many vertebrates and other predatory invertebrates (Pianka and Parker 1975; Redford 1987; McNabb et al 2001).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
