Cave-adapted beetles from continental Portugal

Abstract

The cave biodiversity of continental Portugal faces tremendous conservation challenges, mostly linked to their direct destruction and contamination infiltrating from surface. Beetles are the most diverse insects and one of the most diverse arthropod groups in caves of Portugal.We present the IUCN Red List profiles for the cave-adapted beetles from continental Portugal, all endemic to their respective geological units and massifs. Ground beetles are the most diverse family of cave-adapted beetles in continental Portugal, followed by rove beetles. Beetles in caves of Portugal are mostly terrestrial and only one species is known to have evolved to live in groundwater. Trechus (Carabidae) is the most diverse genus with four species, followed by Domene (Staphylinidae) with three species, and by Speonemadus (Leiodidae) and Iberoporus (Dytiscidae), both with one cave-adapted species. The aim of this contribution is to assess all endemic cave-adapted species of beetles from continental Portugal and to support their specific protection, implying an adequate management of surface habitats and the establishment of priority areas for conservation. This document can be used in spatial planning and territory management in karst, based on the current scientific knowledge.

Keywords

• Coleoptera
• subterranean habitats
• Iberian Peninsu