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Factors affecting the composition of insect communities on carcases of small mammals
Máslo, Petr ; Šípek, Petr (advisor) ; Čížek, Lukáš (referee)
This thesis describes invertebrate community on cadavers of small mammals, in particulat how cadaver size influences abundace, density, species richness and composition of the necrobiont community. Cadaver size preference of present insects is also described. Field experiments were performed in 2014 in meadow habitats in spring, summer and autumn season. Cadavers were chosen in three weight groups: mice (20 g), small rats (100 g) and large rats (400 - 500 g). Invertebrate abundance increases with cadaver mass, density of the community remains constant. Larger cadavers also have higher species richness. Most dominant ecological guild are necrophages, represented mosty by blow flies (Calliphoridae). Cadaver size preference of recorded insects differ, necrophagous and predatory taxa tend to prefer larger cadavers. Omnivorous carrion beetles (Silphidae: Nicrophorus) prefer small cadavers. Sex of the carrion beetles (Silphidae) does not affect their cadaver size preference, males and females of particular species have very similar preferences. Keywords Ephemeral resource patch, cadaver, necrobiont, size, abundace, diversity, competition, insect communities
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