Ecological requirements of a rare saproxylic beetle Cucujus haematodes- the beetles’ stronghold on the edge of its distribution area

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Cucujus haematodes is a rare obligate saproxylic beetle with Eurasian distribution range. 2. The species has suffered a sharp decline in the European part of its distribution range, which can be attributed to the loss of forest habitats with a continuous supply of dead wood. 3. We found that this species is largely distributed in the Primorskiy Region (far eastern Russia), where it can reach strong populations in late stages of pioneer forest succession. 4. Contrary to the observations in Europe, C. haematodes occurred predominantly in lower altitudes and it preferred broadleaved trees. 5. Our guild analysis showed springtails (Collembola), mites (Acarina), ants (Formicidae) and subcortical histerids (Histeridae) and carabids (Carabidae) to be the most associated species at the microhabitat level. 6. Cucujus haematodes can be considered as a species of high conservation value because it shares the habitat with some other threatened saproxylic beetles, such as Boros schneideri (Boridae), Pytho kolwensis (Pythidae), Cardiophorus nigerrimus (Elateridae) and Dendrophagus crenatus (Silvanidae).