Beetles associated with scolytids (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) and the elevational gradient: Diversity and dynamics of the community in the Tatra National Park, Poland

The purpose of the study was to investigate community structure and dynamics of beetle associates of scolytids over the elevational gradient, in the montane environment. The sampling plots were situated in seven elevation zones (from the bottom to the upper border of the forest cover) in two valleys of the Tatra National Park, Poland. The insects were collected with bark peeling from lying Norway spruce trees. One hundred and sixty-four species were found, including 15 primary scolytid species. While species richness was decreasing up the elevation range, species diversity index showed its peak in middle elevations, although the highest values were in the lowest elevation zone. The density of the community increased over the season, reaching maximum values in September at the upper plots. There was a shift in community composition from lowland/widespread to montane/boreal species dominating the community at higher elevations.