Structure and function of herbivorous beetles' communities in the danube lowlands czechoslovakia
Majzlan, O.; Durmek, V.
Acta Facultatis Rerum Naturalium Universitatis Comenianae Zoologia 31: 31-44
1986
Accession: 007826616
Study areas in Danube lowlands in the vicinity of Bratislava were characterized based on some cenological indices concerning arthropods, in particular herbivorous beetles. The areas were selected so as to demostrate the degree of damage caused by herbivorous beetles (weevils and flea beetles). A wheat field (area C) was not affected by weevils but there was an increased migration of flea beetles into it from adjacent areas. Beetle communities in a poplar plantation (study area D) were very rich as to their species composition. The life conditions there were very favourable for the beetle species. The abundance of herbivorous beetles showed a marked maximum in the spring, when its value varied from 10-14 individuals per m2. At the end of the vegetation period this value dropped to 1-2 individuals per m2. As to the species identity, the highest values were recorded for adjacent areas but the values for weevil and flea beetle communities were different.