Enzymatic activity of soil on the occurrence of the endangered beetle Cheilotoma musciformis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in xerothermic grasslands.

Abstrakt

This study aimed to elucidate the factors contributing to the limited presence of Cheilotoma musciformis in Poland, with a specific focus on soil characteristics affecting both vegetation and insect populations. It examined how soil enzyme activity influences the occurrence of Ch. musciformis in the xerothermic grasslands of Southern Poland. Sites inhabited by the beetle were typically subject to extensive grazing by farm animals or recent bush clearance, contrasting with control plots situated on unused or overgrazed xerothermic grasslands. Soils in beetle-inhabited sites exhibited significantly higher levels of enzyme activity, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen, along with lower pHKCl compared to control sites. These findings suggest the beetle’s reliance on extensively grazed xerothermic grasslands. Given that grazing practices influence the behavior of preferred host plant species, effective protection planning for Ch. musciformis-inhabited grasslands should carefully consider changes in soil biochemical properties and vegetation structure.

Autorzy

Łukasz Kajtoch
Łukasz Kajtoch
Miłosz A. Mazur
Miłosz A. Mazur
Małgorzata Jaźwa
Małgorzata Jaźwa
Justyna Wielgos
Justyna Wielgos
artykuł
Insects
Angielski
2024
15
5
307
otwarte czasopismo
CC BY 4.0 Uznanie autorstwa 4.0
ostateczna wersja opublikowana
w momencie opublikowania
2024-04-24
100
2,7
0
0