Investigating the possible effects of VOCs emitted by Quercus pyrenaica Willd. on saproxylic beetles assemblages of Mediterranean forests

Abstract

Saproxylic fauna is one of the fundamental components of temperate deciduous European forests. Currently, many species of this saproxylic fauna are seriously threatened due to a wide range of factors, most of them derivatives of human action.

Saproxylic beetles tend to shape very complex assemblages, which determine both landscape- and local-scale forest structure. That is why they are known as “the architects of the ecosystem”.

Given its importance, it is necessary to deepen the study of physical, chemical and biotic factors that are influencing the formation of these assemblages.

In the case of chemical factors, previous studies have shown that the tree, which can act as a potential host for these organisms, releases a big amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moreover, saproxylic beetles have the ability to detect these chemical signals and develop a behavioural response.

Based on the above, the aim of this study is (1) to analyse whether there are significant differences in the set of volatile organic compounds released by specimens of Q. pyrenaica with different size and (2) try to figure out how the these compounds are conditioning the composition and species richness of saproxylic beetles associated with this tree species.

Preliminary results obtained so far show differences in both the VOCs emission levels and the structure of saproxylic beetles assemblages between specimens of Q. pyrenaica with different size.

Financial support was provided by the Spanish Minister of Science and EU FEDER Funds (CGL 2012-31669) and the Valencian Generalitat (PROMETEO/2013/034)

Keywords

Quercus pyrenaica · Saproxylic · VOCs · Coleoptera · Biodiversity