Pseudomaquises in SW Bulgaria as a habitat for the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Abstract

A lack of sufficient data about ground beetles in maquis and maquis-like habitats in the whole Mediterranean region prompted this study. It brings new data to the knowledge of Carabidae species from Balkan pseudomaquis habitats in Bulgaria and reveals some patterns of species composition from zoogeographic and ecological points of view. Fieldwork was carried out in the period 5 April 2002 – 11 January 2004. A total of 305 specimens from 52 species were found, including two Balkan endemics and one Tertiary relict. These species belong to 23 genera and 12 tribes. Dromius quadrimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Harpalus fuscicornis Ménétriés, 1832 are new for the Bulgarian Struma Valley. Another 13 species are new for the Pirin Mountains. The richest tribe was Harpalini (21 species), followed by Carabini (6 species), Amarini and Sphodrini (5 species each). The most species-rich genus was Harpalus (13 species). Zoogeographical analysis showed that Euroasiatic and Mediterranean complexes were most prevalent. Xerothermic conditions in the habitats studied were also confirmed by the prevalence of the mesoxerophilous carabids. These habitats occur only locally in Bulgaria and support specific carabid assemblages. Knowledge about their diversity could be a keystone for the conservation of all target species living in these limited areas and encompassed by the adjacent Natura 2000 zones.