When is a tree suitable for a veteran tree specialist? Variability in the habitat requirements of the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

0502058 - BC 2020 RIV CZ eng J - Journal Article
Plátek, Michal - Šebek, Pavel - Hauck, David - Čížek, Lukáš
When is a tree suitable for a veteran tree specialist? Variability in the habitat requirements of the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).
European Journal of Entomology. Roč. 116, FEB 28 (2019), s. 64-74. ISSN 1210-5759. E-ISSN 1802-8829
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA17-21082S
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : Coleoptera * Cerambycidae * saproxylic beetles
OECD category: Entomology
Impact factor: 1.051, year: 2019
Method of publishing: Open access
https://www.eje.cz/pdfs/eje/2019/01/07.pdf

Large veteran trees are key structures sustaining biodiversity in woodlands. Many organisms associated with them are, however, also able to inhabit suitable trees of small diameters or other surrogate habitats. Understanding the conditions enabling veteran tree specialists to exploit small trees might help conservation efforts targeted at the endangered biota associated with veteran trees. We studied local patterns in the exploitation of trees by a veteran tree specialist, the great capricorn beetle (*Cerambyx cerdo*), at three sites with different soil characteristics. We recorded the presence and number of exit holes made by *C. cerdo* on trees and related these to the characteristics of the trees. The probability of occurrence and the number of exit holes increased with tree diameter, openness of the canopy, and decreasing tree health, but these relationships differed considerably among the study sites. In dry conditions, trees of small diameters were more likely to be exploited by
the beetle than in the floodplain. The number of exit holes, on the other hand, was a function of tree diameter, with large trees sustaining more beetles and thus acting as larger habitat patches. The species of oak affected the presence of exit holes as the sessile oak and pedunculate oak were preferred over Turkey oak. The slope orientation also affected the
presence of exit holes as trees on slopes with eastern and northern orientation were not exploited by the beetle. This study revealed a high level of between-site variability in the tree characteristics relevant to predicting the occurrence of *C. cerdo*. Therefore, survival and protection of local populations is dependent on site-specific characteristics. The
realized niche of the beetle must be carefully considered when planning conservation management for a particular site. The results also signify that small trees can temporarily substitute for scarce large trees if the state of their health is properly managed.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0296855