Bats use larval galleries of the endangered beetle Cerambyx cerdo as hibernation sites

Publication date: Available online 11 January 2019Source: Mammalian BiologyAuthor(s): Iwona Gottfried, Tomasz Gottfried, Krzysztof ZającAbstractBats use a variety of tree-related microhabitats, however, only a few species inhabiting temperate regions use trees as roosts during winter. Our paper presents the first evidences of the use of cavities created by the longhorn beetles Cerambyx cerdo as hibernation sites in Central Europe. During research conducted in 2017-2018 in SW Poland bats hibernating in Cerambyx cavities were noted in 52.6% of the monitored trees (n = 19). All bats belonged to the genus Pipistrellus, and individuals identified to the species level were Pipistrellus nathusii. Bats were found at a distance of 5-15 cm from the edge of the entrance holes at the height of 150-305 cm above the ground, significantly more often in south and west-oriented cavities. There were no significant differences in tree diameter and health condition between inhabited and uninhabited trees. However, bats seemed to show preferences for oaks with high abundance of C. cerdo cavities. Our results indicate that bats frequently use these specific roots, which emphasises the importance of this beetle species as an ecosystem engineer. The protection of C. cerdo can therefore be an important component of the conservation of tree-dwelling bats.

Source: Mammalian Biology - January 12, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research