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Macrohabitat associations and phenology of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae, Leiodidae: Cholevinae)

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Abstract

As decomposers of vertebrate carcasses, carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae, Leiodidae: Cholevinae) play a significant role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Despite this, the ecology and phenology of this group is relatively understudied. This research determines carrion beetle assemblages in three macrohabitats—native broadleaf woodland, non-native coniferous plantations and unforested sites of grassland or heathland. Further, it explores phenological changes over the growing season. Each macrohabitat type was replicated in eight geographical clusters, giving a total of 24 sites. Clusters were selected to give a wide geographical spread across Britain. Six pitfalls were set at each site, three baited with mice and three with cheese. Traps were set and collected fortnightly within every month from May to September 2016. The taxa differed in response to macrohabitat and growing season. Silphidae assemblages differed between forested and unforested habitats, whereas Leiodidae: Cholevinae were not distinguished by macrohabitat, although some specialists of forests were identified. Silphidae assemblages differed over the growing season, with May and June supporting a different suite of species to those in July—September. In contrast, Leiodidae: Cholevinae assemblages changed very little over the growing season though some species did prefer particular time periods.

Implications for insect conservation

This research presents the first large-scale study of the macrohabitat preference and phenology of carrion beetles in Western Europe, providing important ecological and phenological information which could aid in their conservation.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Michelle Davis for her support with photography, fieldwork and statistics. Callum Esberger, Elliot Summerscales & Luke Williams for fieldwork assistance. The technician staff at Edge Hill University for lab assistance. Katherine Iveson, Vlada Drotsevitch, Scott Skidmore & Luke Williams for help with sorting lab samples. Amy Esh for proof reading. Most importantly all the site managers/owners and the Forestry Commission for permission to use sites for fieldwork, Sue Sheppard, from the Staffordshire County Council who got permission granted for Cannock Chase at short notice.

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  1. Biosciences Building, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK

    Matthew Esh & Anne Oxbrough

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Correspondence to Matthew Esh.

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Esh, M., Oxbrough, A. Macrohabitat associations and phenology of carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae, Leiodidae: Cholevinae). J Insect Conserv 25, 123–136 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-020-00278-4

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