Hermit beetle’s (Osmoderma eremita Scopoli, 1763) occurrence in roadside double row of willows

Abstract

The aim of the research presented in this paper was to assess the state of trees’ health in roadside double row of aged white willows regarding the possibility of the protectedspecies of hermit beetle’s occurrence. The study was conducted in years 2013 and 2014 on a double row of trees located along the roadside of unpaved local road connecting two farms in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship (town Jarantowiczki, Wąbrzeźno district, municipality of Wąbrzeźno). Detailed study included 500 m long section of double row topped tree formation of aged white willows Salix alba, on which the presence of hermit beetle Osmoderma eremita was observed. The most serious threat to the hermit beetle is tree-felling in aged tree rows, which are their natural habitat and at the same time ecological corridor that allows connectivity with other populations of this species in the area. Therefore, it is important to preserve in the agricultural landscape as many cavity trees as possible. Especially important within this matter is to conduct local research on small areas, and provide detailed inventories of natural areas for investment.

Keywords

• Osmoderma eremita
• Salix alba
• hedge
• roadside