A survey of Coleopteran species richness, diversity and abundance in habitats along a disturbance gradient, May 2008

Alternative Title

Una encuesta de las riquezas de especies de coleópteros, diversidad y abundancia en los hábitats a lo largo de un gradiente de perturbación

Creator

Logan W. Stockwell

Files

Publication Date

May 2008

Abstract

Three microhabitats in La Cruz, Costa Rica were surveyed for Coleopteran species richness, diversity and abundance in primary forest, secondary forest and active pasture. Survey sites correlated with levels of disturbance, which were hypothesized to reflect the availability and diversity of natural resources. A total of 865 Coleopterans were collected. Of the collected samples, 125 morpho-species and 22 families were identified. Species richness, diversity and abundance were calculated to see if they correlated with levels of habitat disturbance. It was hypothesized that natural resource abundance and diversity would be associated with levels of habitat disturbance. Forested areas with less habitat disturbance ought to have a greater variety of available resources on account of microclimate diversity and would therefore be able to sustain a greater diversity of Coleopterans. Results indicated that morpho-species richness was highest in primary forest whereas Coleopteran family analysis showed that family richness was highest in secondary forest. Results validate a correlation between habitat disturbance and Coleopteran diversity.

Resumen

Tres microhabitats en la Cruz, Costa Rica fueron encuestados para conocer la riqueza de especies, la diversidad y la abundancia de coleópteros en un bosque primario, en un bosque secundario y en un pastizal activo.

Keywords

Beetles, Species diversity, CIEE Spring 2008

Palabras claves

Escarabajos, Diversidad de especies, CIEE Primavera 2008

Extent

15 pages

Geographic Location

La Cruz (Guanacaste, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00458

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Stockwell, Logan W., "A survey of Coleopteran species richness, diversity and abundance in habitats along a disturbance gradient, May 2008" (2008). Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation. 509.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/509