Osmoderma eremita (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) in Europe
T. Ranius, L. O. Aguado, K. Antonsson, P. Audisio,
A. Ballerio, G. M. Carpaneto, K. Chobot, B. Gjurasin,
O. Hanssen, H. Huijbregts, F. Lakatos, O. Martin,
Z. Neculiseanu, N. B. Nikitsky, W. Paill, A. Pirnat,
V. Rizun, A. Ruicanescu, J. Stegner, I. Suda,
P. Szwalko, V. Tamutis, D. Telnov, V. Tsinkevich,
V. Versteirt, V. Vignon, M. Vogeli, P. Zach
Animal Bidiversity and Conservation, 2005, 28.1: 1-44.
Abstract
Osmoderma eremita (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) in Europe.
Research, monitoring and development of preservation strategies
for threatened species are often limited by national borders even
though a global perspective would be more appropriate.
In this study, we collected data on the occurrence of a threatened beetle,
Osmoderma eremita, associated with tree hollows in 2,142 localities from
33 countries in Europe where it is or has been present. The larvae develop
in tree hollows and very few observations of larvae have been observed in
dead logs on the ground. As long as there is a suitable tree hollow,
it appears that O. eremita may use any tree species. Oaks (Quercus spp.)
are the trees mainly used by O. eremita, followed by lime (Tilia spp.),
willow (Salix spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and fruit trees (Prunus spp.,
Pyrus spp., Malus domestica). O. eremita is still found in some remnants
of natural forest, but is mainly observed on land that has long been
used by man, such as pasture woodlands, hunting parks, avenues, city parks
and trees around agricultural fields and along streams. The occurrence of
O. eremita seems to have decreased in all European countries. Relatively
high densities of O. eremita localities occur in Central Europe
(northern Italy, Austria, Czechia, southern Poland and eastern Gerímany),
some parts of Northern Europe (south-eastern Sweden, Latvia) and France.
In some regions in north-western Europe, the species is extinct or may
occur at some single sites (Norway, Danish mainland, The Netherlands,
Belgium, north-eastern France). There are few data from south-eastern
Europe. Many local extinctions of O. eremita are to be expected in the near
future, especially in regions with recent habitat loss and fragmentation.
O. eremita is useful as an indicator and umbrella species for the
preservation of the entire invertebrate community associated with hollow
trees in Europe. A preservaítion plan for O. eremita should include
three aspects that are of general importance in nature conservation in
Europe today: (1) preservation of remnants of natural forests with old,
broad-leaved trees, (2) preservation and restoration of habitats related to
traditional agricultural landscapes and (3) preservation of remaining
"islands" of nature in urban areas.
Key words:
Saproxylic, Cavity, Habitat Directive, Pollarding, Bioindicator, Scarabaeoidea.