Biotope impact on fluctuating asymmetry manifestation in ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Abstract

In our study we used the data set on morphimetric traits in ground beetles species. It has been constantly replenished for 20 years with samples received from different regions of Russia and abroad. In this case we have selected data on nine species for which the left and right sides had been measured and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) could be estimated. The samples were from 6 provinces of Russia and Belarus, which ranged along 57 degrees in longitude and included more than 150 plots in different types of biotopes. FA was established in 5265 specimens in one dimensional and one meristic trait. Biotope, species, and their interaction affected FA in both traits, that is: different species reacted differently to biotope type. In uncommon biotopes FA was increased. In forest species a negative relationship between FA in dimensional and meristic traits was revealed. In those species only were FA values sex-biased. In generalist species FA varied Similarly in both sexes and in both traits, being the highest in open biotopes. In the eudominant of arable land biotopes - Poecilus cupreus - the highest values of FA were recorded in the meadows, being about equal in all types of crops.