An Introduction to the Diversity, Ecology, and Conservation of Saproxylic Insects

摘要: Much like flowering plants set the stage for an explosion of herbivore and pollinator diversity, origin dead wood in early Devonian forests (~400 mya) was followed by incredible diversification life, giving rise to some most successful morphological adaptations symbioses on Earth. Approximately one third all forest insect species worldwide depend directly or indirectly dying (i.e., saproxylic), with major functional groups including feeders, fungus saprophages, predators. Although beetles flies dominate saproxylic communities worldwide, other orders are represented a wide variety as well, composition these assemblages varies biogeographically. Most notably, termites (Blattodea) subsocial beetle family Passalidae both largely restricted tropics where they play role decomposition process. The large body European research linking declines diversity reductions amount old trees across landscape serves cautionary tale researchers land managers working parts world. conservation insects everywhere can be promoted efforts provide adequate space time. preservation old-growth is also critically important support relict populations sensitive species. There strong need outside boreal temperate zones develop more global appreciation ecology inform management strategies conserving organisms subtropical tropical forests.