Abstract

1. To date, conservation-status saproxylic beetle species in the UK have been monitored by chance findings or by monitor-based observational studies. Here, using Elater ferrugineus as our target species, we present the first national distribution survey carried out in the UK or across mainland Europe on such a species using chemicals produced by the insect.2. Over 3 years, mark-release-recapture studies were performed across the UK, using 416 lured (pheromone) traps monitored by volunteer recorders; the first survey in Europe to do so. Traps were baited with 7-methyloctyl-(Z)-4-decenoate, a compound previously identified as a female sex pheromone.3. The results were used to plot a distribution map and investigate factors that may influence the distribution, including summer temperatures, possible habitat availability and larval food source.4. The survey revealed a south-eastern distribution of E. ferrugineus in the UK, which was suggested by previous casual studies.5. A correlative model was fitted to the data, indicating that 55% of the variation in the distribution of E. ferrugineus was explained by climatic variables (temperature and wind speed).

Keywords

Aerial traps; Elater ferrugineus; national distribution; pheromone; saproxylic; veteran trees

Published in

Insect Conservation and Diversity
2017, Volume: 10, number: 4, pages: 283–293
Publisher: WILEY

SLU Authors

• Larsson, Mattias

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12227

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/90249