Species traits and functional diversity patterns of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) along a forest age gradient in the Piedmont, North Carolina

Taxonomic species lists alone overlook ecologically important aspects of biological communities. Classification of species and communities on an ecological basis helps to achieve greater biological understanding and serve wider conservation purposes.The purpose of this study was to determine if ecological speciestraits, based on life history and morphology, of Carabidae (Coleoptera) vary along an forest age gradient in the North CarolinaPiedmont. Carabid beetles were collected monthly from 348 pitfall traps (12 x 29 sites) for three years, May 2009 - April 2012. Study sites represented four forest age classes approximately 0, 10, 50 and 90+ years old. To evaluate changes in Carabidae species traits, community-weighted mean (CWM) values were used in combination with functional diversity and evenness indices. Total adjusted abundance was 5,613 (45 species). There were significant differences in a size (length) class and seasonal activity along the age gradient. Proportion of carabid individuals with fully developed wings decreased with forest age. Responses of carabid beetles tochanges associated with forest age are useful to predict trends for other ground-dwelling organisms with similar lifestyles. A trait-based approach, including CWM and functional diversity indices, allows comparison among areas with differing biogeography providing broader, valuable information for biodiversity conservation.