THE GROUND BEETLE (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE) FAUNA OF WELSH PEATLAND BIOTOPES - SPECIES ASSEMBLAGES IN RELATION TO PEATLAND HABITATS AND MANAGEMENT

Assemblages of ground beetles were studied from peatland sites throughout Wales. Sampling stations were grouped into 14 habitats based on characters of hydrology, nutrient status, structure and management. The assemblage of ground beetles present in each habitat was examined to determine the frequency and abundance of each species. For most of the habitats the main components of the ground beetle fauna were Pterostichus diligens and P. nigrita s.l., plus Loricera pilicornis, Agonum fuliginosum and A. thoreyi in more nutrient-rich sites, although the relative proportions and absolute numbers of each of these species varied between habitats. Four habitats-managed heaths, managed fens, reedbeds and unmanaged raised bogs-were characterised by the presence of species which were neither constant nor regular in any other habitat. The results can be used by conservation managers to examine sites, and where the ground beetle assemblage differs markedly from that expected for the habitat, site, management can be adjusted if necessary.