Comparative analysis of the beetle fauna (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of small steppe plots in the forest-steppe zone

Abstract

The fauna and abundance of Carabidae inhabiting small steppe plots in the forest-steppe zone of European Russia were analysed. In total, 14 such plots (biotopes) were studied, they were grouped by vegetation type into two groups: meadow steppe (5 plots) and calcareous steppe (9 plots). A total of 104 species of beetles from 6 subfamilies were collected. In meadow steppe, 91 species of beetle species were found, in calcareous steppe, 64 species were collected. Species richness was significantly higher in some meadow steppe plots (14-67 species) than in calcareous steppe plots (4-27 species). Numerical abundance of beetles was also higher in meadow steppe. Nine indicator species for calcareous steppe and no indicator species for calcareous steppe were identified. The structure of beetle dominance was analysed for individual biotopes. Beetle populations are analysed by life forms and life cycle types. NMDS scaling results are presented, demonstrating significant diversity of species composition and structure both in meadow steppe and calcareous steppe.