Carabus Problematicus Research Articles

Quantification of arthropod species resources using distance-based measures – Ground beetles as focal group

Operational methods for reliably quantifying habitat association of arthropod species are highly warranted in species conservation. A distance-based abundance measure called Integral Occurrence Probability (IOP) offers the possibility of quantifying the abundance of specific resources, essential for lifecycle completion in arthropods. We propose and test a new method integrating the measure of Relative Annulus Area (RAA), which is the fundamental measurement when calculating IOP, as a way of operationalizing habitat assessments and thus, better integrating arthropod habitats in species monitoring. We used abundance data for ground beetles (Carabidae) collected at 100 plots in a Danish coastal heathland and registered the RAA for important ground beetle resources. Using a model-based ordination technique that allows for the integration of species traits to aid in the analysis of species-environment association, we identified six important heathland structures significantly associated with the distribution of ground beetle species assemblages. The structures along with the overall directionality of the association (parentages) were bare sandy patches (+), water (−), dwarf shrubs (+), vegetation patches above 25 cm. (+), and refuges (+). These variables explained from 0.20 (Pterostichus. melanarius) to 0.99 (Carabus problematicus) and for the model including abundance weighted trait values, r2 ranged from 0.42 (Pterostichus niger) to 0.93 (Carabus melanocephalus). Distance based measures of important ecological resources for arthropods may be used as an addition to current national monitoring programs, and thus enabling implementation of specific life cycle needs of endangered arthropod groups.

Heaven and hell: Spotlights on some DNA barcodes for species identification and delimitation in ground beetles

In the face of the decline of many insects, there is an increasing demand for contemporary, fast and cost-effective approaches to monitor the development of populations and species. Numerous scientists favor molecular methods, especially those involving barcoding of the CO1 gene, as an alternative to classical, morphology-based species identification. Moreover, DNA barcoding is also discussed as a suitable method to support species delimitations in complexes of closely related taxa. We used the available sequences of ground beetles from North and Central Europe with additional ones we generated from Southern Europe and the Middle East to draw conclusion about the practicability of such approach for ground beetles. In general, while strong intraspecific differentiations within the CO1 fragment seem to characterize some wingless species (e.g. Graphipterus serrator, Siagona longula, Carabus problematicus, some Platycarabus species), others do not display much intraspecific variability (e.g. Graphipterus multiguttatus and G. sharonae within the “G. serrator clade”). These results certainly complicate the application of a metabarcoding approach without a larger database to delimitate these ground beetles. Furthermore, these results limit the applicability of the well-known barcoding gap, in ecological studies. With regards to taxonomic problems, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences can provide support for taxonomic decisions. For example, the two taxa Carabus variolosus and nodulosus are characterized predominantely by K2P values lower than the barcoding gap. In view of the otherwise strong intraspecific differentiation within the genus Carabus, these two taxa should be regarded as subspecies. In contrast, DNA barcoding can also help to identify "good" species. Mitochondrial and nuclear data suggest, for example, that an Oreonebria taxon and a Platycarabus taxon from the South-western Alps represent "good species", although they were usually considered as synonyms or subspecies. In another case, two tiger beetle taxa, which until a few months ago were considered to belong to the same species, show such strong differentiation that only two species can be postulated (Calomera aulicoides and C. littoralis winkleri). In summary, we can state that DNA sequences and the barcoding gap can help to define species delimitations in ground beetles. However, several species, including widespread sister species, cannot be identified by DNA barcoding for various reasons (e.g. young species or horizontal gene flow). Consequently, until an automated, fast, and reliable method to identify species from samples emerges, ecological investigations have to rely on classical, morphology-based identifications.

Species trait selection along a prescribed fire chronosequence

Abstract Fire is a widespread management practice used in the maintenance of European heathland. Frequent prescribed burns in small patches have been shown to benefit carabid communities; however, how fire favours specific life‐history traits is poorly understood. In this study, we identify characteristic species of the successional stages within heathlands, and find the traits which are characteristic of species in burnt areas versus areas dominated by older heath stands. We identify 10 species as indicator species for heathland in the pioneer stage (0–5 years old); Amara lunicollis, Bembidion lampros, Calathus fuscipes, Carabus problematicus, Cicindela campestris, Nebria salina, Notiophilus aquaticus, Poecilus cupreus, P. lepidus and P. versicolor. Dyschirius globosus is identified as an indicator for the building stage (6–14 years old), and Carabus violaceus as an indicator for the mature stage (15–25 years old). Moisture preference and diet are identified as traits that determine species response to prescribed fire. Collembolan specialists and species with no moisture preference are shown to be most abundant in burnt patches, whereas generalist predators and species with a high moisture preference are less tolerant of fire. Knowledge of species sorting along a prescribed fire gradient can provide valuable information for heathland conservation.

The bioindication importance of the Carabidae communities of Veporské vrchy and Juhoslovanská kotlina

Abstract The Carabidae family (Coleoptera) is used frequently for its bioindication potential to detect the environmental burden. In 2013 and 2014, we studied the correlation of Carabidae on the biotopes of six areas in the Veporské vrchy Mts and the Juhoslovenská kotlina basin by using pitfall traps, Möricke plates and Bambara beetle traps. Out of 432 recorded specimens of beetles (53 species, 15 families), the Carabidae family were the highest number of species and specimens represented, with which we confirmed higher anthropogenic interference and disturbance of ecosystems in the Juhoslovenská kotlina basin. This statistic confirms the presence of the following species typically found on arable land: Anchomenus dorsalis, Calathus fuscipes fuscipes, Harpalus affinis and Pseudoophonus rufipes. The ecosystems in the Veporské vrchy Mts region show less disturbance, and the anthropological impact is smaller, indicated by the presence of the Carabus problematicus species, an important indicator of the conservation of natural forest ecosystems.

Loss of genetic diversity and increased genetic structuring in response to forest area reduction in a ground dwelling insect: a case study of the flightless carabid beetle Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Abstract Old growth temperate broadleaved forests are characterised by a large proportion of forest specialists with low dispersal capability. Hence, species bound to this habitat are expected to be highly susceptible to the effects of decreasing patch size and increasing isolation. Here, we investigate the relative effect of both factors by genotyping individuals of a flightless and forest specialist beetle Carabus problematicus from 29 populations, sampled in 21 different forest fragments in Belgium, at eight microsatellite loci. A high degree of genetic differentiation among fragments was observed, with populations from smaller forests being considerably more differentiated and characterised by a lower genetic diversity compared to those of larger forests. A more detailed study on forest remnants of a former historic continuous woodland area revealed that population differentiation was high among, but not within remnants, irrespective of geographical distance. This suggests that patch fragmentation rather than geographical distance is the ultimate factor that hampers gene flow in this species. The results indicate that gene flow among suitable habitat patches is primarily reduced by the inability of this specialised species to traverse the landscape matrix. This lack of dispersal may pose a serious threat for the persistence of C. problematicus and ecologically similar species, and suggests that present populations can best be protected by securing or increasing the size of existing habitat patches.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the ground beetle Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

AbstractSix microsatellite loci were isolated from the ground beetle Carabus problematicus. The polymorphism ranged from two to 17 alleles and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.137 to 0.676 and 0.147 to 0.710, respectively.

Distribution patterns of carabid beetle species at the landscape‐level

AimCarabid beetles are known to be affected by abiotic habitat conditions, both at a local microscale and in their distribution between habitat types. We explored whether the non‐random distribution at micro‐ and macroscales is reflected in non‐random distribution patterns at an intermediate mesoscale. The aim of this paper is: (1) to identify and to characterize carabid distribution patterns at the meso‐ or landscape scale; (2) to analyse if patterns can be confirmed between years; and (3) to propose environmental effects that explain the observed patterns.LocationWe studied a topographically varied area of c. 4 km² within a landscape of continuous beech forests. The study area is situated close to Göttingen, Central Germany, on a limestone plateau and its south‐ and southeast‐facing slopes, at 280–420 m a.s.l.MethodsCarabid beetles were sampled with pitfall traps during four consecutive years. Each year 10, 20 or 50 traps km−2 were operated for 4–6 months. We interpolated continuous distribution maps from pitfall sites and correlated species maps between separate years. Spatial autocorrelation was analysed with Mantel tests and correlograms of Moran's I.Results1. We analysed the spatial distribution of twelve carabid species. All interpolations produced more or less patchy map patterns. No pattern was exactly reproduced between years. 2. Carabid species distribution at the landscape level could be differentiated into four types: random, weak gradient, distinct gradient and restricted area. Maps for species with distinct gradients or restricted distributions were correlated between all years, while maps for species with random patterns were mostly uncorrelated. 3. Mantel tests detected overall spatial autocorrelation (SA) in most species. Correlograms of Moran's I supported the characterization of distribution types. The correlograms indicated patch sizes of 0.8–1.2 km extent for all species but three that were randomly distributed. 4. Abax parallelus (Duftschmid), Carabus coriaceus L., and Cychrus caraboides (L.) appeared to be randomly distributed within the study area. Also A. parallelepipedus (Piller & Mitterpacher) had a random areal distribution, but the patch structure was reproduced between years. 5. Abax ovalis (Duftschmid), Carabus auronitens Fabricius, C. nemoralis Müller, and Pterostichus burmeisteri Heer displayed rather weak distribution gradients that were reproduced at least between some years. 6. Pterostichus madidus (Fabricius) and P. melanarius (Illiger) displayed distinct distribution gradients. Their contrasting distribution could be explained by a topoclimatic gradient: P. madidus density was shifted to dry and warm parts of the study area, P. melanarius density to moist and cool parts. 7. Cychrus attenuatus Fabricius was restricted to a northern, high‐elevated area, whereas Carabus problematicus Herbst was restricted to patches along the warm edge of the limestone plateau.Main conclusionsWithin the beech forest landscape, we identified reproducible mesoscale distribution patterns of carabid beetles. Distinct distribution gradients and restricted distribution areas could be attributed to a topoclimatic differentiation of the landscape. Thus, for some carabid species, microclimatic habitat associations scale up to distributions within a landscape.

Life strategies of Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) at different altitudes on Snowdon, north Wales

In a study to examine the effect of climate on life cycles, a total of 408 Carabus problematicus were caught in pitfall traps at four altitude sites between 660 m and 1055 m on Snowdon, north Wales. Under the assumption that the mandible condition of these beetles was related to the age of the individuals, an objective estimate, which was both sex‐ and size‐independent, was used to separate the captures into two age categories. The results from this estimation process suggested that beetles from the different altitudes followed different life strategies; low altitude beetles being predominantly annual and high altitude beetles predominantly biennial.

Studies on winter-active larvae of the ground beetle Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Studies on winter-active larvae of the ground beetle Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Prey detection by some predatory Coleoptera (Carabidae and Staphylinidae)

The prey detection methods of 12 species of Carabidae and one species of Staphylinidae were investigated using video and orientation techniques. The species examined were Cicindela campestris, Cychrus caraboides, Carabus problematicus, C. violaceus, Calosoma maderae, Nebria complanata, Scarites abbreviates, Broscus cephaloles, Pterostichus madidus, P. melanarius, P. niger, Abax parallelepipedus and Staphylinus olens.All the species examined were seen to respond to prey upon contact (either by tactile or gustatory reception) during locomotor activity. Tests using orientation chambers showed that some of the species would orientate towards prey in the absence of contact. Some species orientated using vision (C. campestris, C. maderae, S. abbreviates, A. parallelepipedus). This was most frequent when tested with fast‐moving prey. In others, orientation towards prey occurred when olfactory cues were available (P. madidus, P. melanarius, P. niger and A.parallelepipedus). All of the species employing this method of prey detection belonged to the Pterostichini and it appears that the receptors involved are situated on the antennae. Although some species did not orientate towards prey in the absence of contact cues, some of these species were found to respond to slug mucus (C. caraboides, C. problematicus, C. violaceus and S. abbreviates). The receptors for this are probably situated on the terminal ends of the palps. The method of prey detection used is discussed in relation to the ecology of the species.

Changes in life‐cycle strategies of Carabus problematicus over a range of altitudes in Northern England

ABSTRACT. Mandible tip length has been used to estimate the age of individual C.problematicus Herbst caught over an altitude range of more than 700 m in northern England. At 100 m the great majority of females laid eggs in the summer of their emergence as adults. The female life‐cycle is predominantly annual and 24% only of the egg‐bearing individuals were in their second year. Above 250 m, most females did not reproduce until the summer of the year following emergence, giving a biennial life‐cycle. 96% of egg‐bearing females caught above 830 m were in their second year. All the males caught during the breeding season at 100 m had emerged within that calendar year and it is concluded that the male life‐cycle is annual at this altitude. Above 250 m, 83% of the males caught during the breeding season were in their first calendar year, suggesting that recently emerged males may inseminate second year females and also that the male life‐cycle is predominantly annual over the whole altitude range studied. At the higher temperatures of the lowland site females not only produce eggs in the year of emergence, they also produce more eggs per individual than at the higher sites. Egg production depends on food intake which involves mandible wear and individuals at the lowland site have significantly higher rate of mandible wear than at the sites above 250 m.

Pattern of movement in and dispersal from a dutch forest of Carabus problematicus Hbst. (Coleoptera, Carabidae).

Data in the literature that in the Netherlands Carabus problematicus is an autumn breeder with overwintering larvae and adults have been confirmed. Pitfall catches show two peaks of adult beetles. The first small peak of activity is realized in May, the significance of which is not yet understood. The second higher peak occurs from the end of August till the beginning of October: the reproduction period. In this period at least three age classes are present. Some females were shown to take part in reproduction for at least two seasons. Old females appeared to have less eggs in the ovaries than young ones. Larvae can be trapped throughout the winter. The new generation appears in July and in the beginning of August. They immediately take part in reproduction. C. problematicus shows noctural activity with a peak towards the end of the night.In field experiments the pattern of movement and the dispersal behaviour of marked individuals was investigated and related to the choice of habitat. It was shown that in the Netherlands C. problematicus prefers a forest habitat. Some individuals were found to disperse from their favoured habitat. The percentage of beetles that disperse out of the forest during the breeding season could be estimated at 4-8%. Dispersal increases in the second part of the breeding season. Females tend to disperse more frequently than males.The pattern of movement consists of two types: a "random walk" and a "directed movement". It is suggested that the pattern of movement of individuals dispersing out of the forest is the directed movement. It could be shown that individuals released outside the forest were able to walk towards a forest silhouette. The significance of both the pattern of movement and the dispersal behaviour for the survival of the species is discuussed.

Locomotion in the Coleoptera Adephaga, especially Carabidae

This study considers leg structure and function in the Adephaga (Caraboidea). Many ground beetles are known to be rapid runners but does this habit account for all the characteristic features of their leg structure? To answer this question, the gaits of several terrestrial Adephagan and Polyphagan beetles have been described briefly; it was concluded that they are fundamentally similar. Thus the peculiar hind legs of Adephaga (with their greatly restricted coxal angle of swing) are not specifically suited to a running habit, but are adapted for pushing. Four basic modifications for pushing have been described in the foreleg of Carabus problematicus. The particular type of pushing was apparent when the functions of its hind leg were considered. The enlarged metatrochanter contains a strong femoral rotator muscle which forces the hind tarsus vertically downwards (and the hindbody upwards). This movement is a necessary part of wedge‐pushing, where the wedge‐shaped head and prothorax are pushed forwards and the hindbody–the back of the wedge–is oscillated vertically to enlarge the horizontal crevice. The slightly movable metacoxa is part of the antagonistic mechanism of femoral counter‐rotation, in which an ingenious lever action swings up the hind legs (and so depresses the hindbody).The most profound locomotory changes in the Adephaga reflect swimming adaptations. These have involved changes in the pro‐ and mesocoxal articulations, and the immobilization of the metacoxae. Trachypachus is particularly interesting, as it is a terrestrial Caraboid with immobilized metacoxae. The terrestrial Adephaga (mainly Carabidae) can be divided into two basic groups with divergent habits (if specialist burrowers, etc. are excluded). These groups (which merge) are the strong wedge‐pushers/poorer runners with relatively large metatrochanters, and the fast runners/poorer wedge‐pushers with smaller trochanters. Experimental evidence for this separation includes estimates of running speeds and the vertical forces exerted by the hind legs of several species during wedge‐pushing.

On the significance of dispersal power for populations of carabid-beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae).

By various observations on carabid populations the author attempts to give an impression of the quantitative occurrence of dispersal and of the relation between dispersal and the chance of founding populations (dispersal power). Pitfall-catches in the recently reclamed "Zuiderzee"-polder E-Flevoland demonstrate that within seven years individuals of a number of monomorphic macropterous and dimorphic species had founded populations there. From the very high frequency of full-winged individuals within the latter populations it follows that full-winged carabid individuals generally must have a much greater power of dispersal than flightless ones. Therefore, winged individuals of dimorphic species were about equally able to reach E-Flevoland as were those of monomorphic macropterous ones, whereas individuals of monomorphic brachypterous species obviously are seriously hampered. The early appearance of individuals of riparian species on the shores of an artificial lake in the dune area "Meijendel" suggests that particularly populations living in unstable environments extensively "invest" in dispersal. It appears, however, that an important "investment" in dispersal apparently is not restricted to species from unstable environments; at least some sparse populations living in more stable environments also "sacrifice" relatively great numbers of individuals for dispersal (Pterostichus strenuus). The hypothesis is proposed, that populations facing a high risk of extinction generally will have a sufficient chance of founding populations (high "turnover") when "investing" extensively in dispersal. Not only macropterous but - at least in some populations - also brachypterous individuals participate in migration, although in the populations studied the dispersal power of flightless individuals is found to be very small (Carabus problematicus). Under certain conditions the dispersal of full-winged individuals from wing-dimorphic populations may ultimately lead to a decrease or even a loss of dispersal power by a decrease of the frequency of macropterous individuals. It is assumed, however, that under certain natural conditions also brachypterous individuals may contribute to the spreading of risk within and between populations. The dispersal power of monomorphic macropterous, dimorphic and monomorphic brachypterous populations in a cultivated countryside like Drenthe is discussed. The connection between the dispersal power of different kinds of carabid populations and the resulting chance of survival under different conditions is discussed. Some suggestions for nature preservation management are given.