Comparison of the Coleoptera communities in leaf litter and rotten wood in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA

A study comparing beetle (Coleoptera) communities in leaf litter and rotten wood within Great Smoky Mountains National Park revealed distinct species assemblages adapted to these microhabitats. The research identified 315 beetle species, with notable differences in diversity and composition between the two substrates. Species richness was higher in leaf litter, while certain taxa, such as longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), were more abundant in rotten wood. The study employed a combination of field sampling, morphological identification, and ecological analyses to assess species distribution patterns. These findings highlight the importance of habitat-specific microenvironments in shaping beetle community structure within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ferro, M. L., Gimmel, M. L., Harms, K. E., & Carlton, C. E. (2012). Comparison of the Coleoptera communities in leaf litter and rotten wood in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5175112