Age of Eucalyptus plantations differentially affects assemblages of surface‐active arthropods

Abstract

AbstractMicrohabitats and environmental conditions in eucalypts vary depending on the growth phase. Response of surface‐active arthropods to eucalypt growth phases is unclear; yet, it can be an important contribution in forest management. Thus, we investigated the response of surface‐active arthropods to three eucalypt age groups. We collected arthropods in a 7‐month‐old, 18‐month‐old, and 53‐month‐old eucalypts since planting. Eucalyptus age did not affect species richness. However, assemblages differed between the 53‐month‐old and 7‐month‐old eucalypts. Therefore, different eucalypt ages can enhance arthropod conservation, since they differ in terms of microhabitats and environmental conditions.