Microclimatic Divergence in a Mediterranean Canyon Affects Richness, Composition, and Body Size in Saproxylic Beetle Assemblages

摘要: Large valleys with opposing slopes may act as a model system which the effects of strong climatic gradients on biodiversity can be evaluated. The advantage such comparisons is that impact change climate studied same species pool without need to consider regional differences. aim this study was compare assemblage saproxylic beetles at Lower Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, Israel (also known “Evolution Canyon”) 200–800% higher solar radiation south-facing (SFS) compared north-facing slope (NFS). We tested specific hypotheses richness patterns, structure, and body size resulting from interslope differences in microclimate. Fifteen flight-interception traps per were distributed over three elevation levels ranging 50 100 m a.s.l. Richness average 34% SFS NFS, no detected influence levels. Both structure determined by aspect, more small-bodied found SFS. increase prevalence small reflect ecological rules present larger spatial grain (species-energy hypothesis community shift hypothesis), both explained metabolic theory ecology. This encouraging for complementary use micro- macroclimatic impacts warming biodiversity.