Effects of Seed Addition on Beetle Assemblages During the Re-creation of Species-rich Lowland Hay Meadows

摘要: 1. Species-rich lowland hay meadows are of conservation importance for both plants and invertebrates; however, they have declined in area across Europe as a result conversion to other land uses management intensification. The re-creation these grasslands on ex-arable provides valuable approach increasing the extent value this threatened habitat. 2. Over 3-year period replicated block design was used test whether introducing seeds promoted plant phytophagous beetle assemblages typical target meadow. Seeds were harvested from local meadows, applied experimental plots form either green or brush harvesting seeds. 3. Green spreading achieved greatest success re-creating assemblages. While increased over time taxa, beetles increase relative establishment year also occurred where applied. We considered terms functional traits that describe host specificity, larval feeding location dispersal. Phytophagous trait composition most similar meadow assemblage some seed addition used, i.e. seeds. 4. This study identified species mechanism promote communities. Seed methods (e.g. spreading) crucial successful re-creation.