Ensambles de dermápteros (Dermaptera, Forficulidae) en microhábitats saproxílicos de bosques ibéricos de quercíneas

Tree hollows and downed logs are key microhabitats for saproxylic diversity. In this work the fauna of Dermaptera associated to both microhabitats was studied and the spatial-temporal distribution of the species was analysed. The sampling was carried out through the use of emergence traps and window traps in 4 natural areas of the Salamanca province dominated by mature trees of Quercus. In total, 955 individuals belonging to three species were collected. However, 96% of the captures belonged to a species of the Forficula auricularia complex: F. dentata. The great abundance of this species in downed logs, tree hollows and tree canopy could highlight the functional importance of the F. auricularia species complex as predators in these microhabitats, thus could be considered facultative saproxylic species. Moreover, two Iberian endemism, Mesochelidura bolivari and Forficula iberica were occasionally also captured. However, the absence of nymphs of these two species indicates us that they do not use these microhabitats for reproduction. The temporal distribution of the species showed different population dynamics, a peak of activity in spring-summer occurred for F. dentata, in contrast with the maximum activity in autumn-winter of the other less abundant species, which could be avoiding a possible competence with the dominant species. Finally, it should be emphasised that these peculiar microhabitats offered by trees and downed logs are relevant in different degree for the species of Dermaptera.