High-accuracy sampling of saproxylic diversity indicators at regional scales with pheromones: The case of Elater ferrugineus (Coleoptera, Elateridae)

Abstract

The rare beetle Elater ferrugineus was sampled at 47 sites in the county of Östergötland, Sweden by means of pheromone-baited traps to assess its value as an indicator species for hollow oak stands rich in rare saproxylic beetle species. In addition, Osmoderma eremita was also sampled with pheromone baits. These data were then compared against species survey data collected at the same sites by pitfall and window traps. Both species co-occur with many Red Listed saproxylic beetles, with E. ferrugineus being a somewhat better indicator for the rarest species. The conservation value of a site (measured as Red List points or number of Red Listed species) increased with the number of specimens of E. ferrugineus and O. eremita caught. Accuracy of sampling by means of pheromone trapping turned out to be radically different for the two model species. E. ferrugineus traps put out during July obtained full accuracy after only 6 days, whereas O. eremita traps needed to be out from early July to mid-August in order to obtain full accuracy with one trap per site. By using E. ferrugineus, or preferably both species, as indicator species, accuracy would increase and costs decrease for saproxylic biodiversity sampling, monitoring and identification of hotspots.

Rural avenues as dispersal corridors for the vulnerable saproxylic beetle Elater ferrugineus in a fragmented agricultural landscape

“…Due to the ease of pheromone trapping (Kadej et al 2015), E. ferrugineus has the potential to become a convenient umbrella species for the rich community of saproxylic species, i.e. organisms dependent on dead wood habitats (Andersson et al 2014).…”

“…rows of trees planted along roads) and other tree habitats (village parks, wood pastures or remnant forest patches), being dependent mainly on larger trees (Musa et al 2013). Therefore, E. ferrugineus could serve as an umbrella species for protection of old-growth trees and their associated fauna of saproxylic organsims (Andersson et al 2014). As yet it is not known whether this species, being extremely dependent on old-growth trees, is able to disperse through treeless areas.…”

The effect of exposure to synthetic pheromone lures on male Zygaena filipendulae mating behaviour: implications for monitoring species of conservation interest

“…The potential of using synthetic insect pheromones to monitor and control pest insects in an environmentally friendly way was proposed soon after the commercial silk moth, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758) pheromone was identified in 1959 (Hansson 1995;Bergmann et al 2009;Witzgall et al 2010). Pheromones have been used in pest management of insects for decades, the main applications being trapping insects to monitor their activity and mating disruption (ElSayed and Suckling 2005;Larsson and Svensson 2009;Andersson 2012;Andersson et al 2014). Historically, insect pheromone research has focussed on species considered to be commercially important; in particular agricultural, stored product and forestry pests (Campbell et al 2002;Bergmann et al 2009).…”

“…Historically, insect pheromone research has focussed on species considered to be commercially important; in particular agricultural, stored product and forestry pests (Campbell et al 2002;Bergmann et al 2009). However more recently the potential use of pheromones to monitor insects for conservation purposes is being explored with Osmoderma eremita (Scopoli,1763) becoming the first insect species whose sex pheromone was identified purely for conservation Svensson et al 2009;Andersson2012;Andersson et al 2014).…”

“…Once the specific pheromone blend has been identified, pheromone based trapping can be used to monitor rare insects of conservation concern and those that have been identified as indicator species (Andersson 2012;Andersson et al 2014). Currently sampling methods such as pitfall traps and sweep netting are used to survey areas of conservation interest; however these are time consuming and dependent on the presence of taxonomic experts to identify the species found Andersson et al 2014).…”