Insect succession on decomposition of coarse woody debris in oriental spruce forest

It is known that forest practices can have substantial effects on animal populations. Coarse woody debris is known to have a great effect on birds, small mammals and insects. These animals may use coarse woody debris for sheltering, hunting, resting, and breeding. These insects are important to the forest ecosystem as they are often required for the decomposition of wood and reintroduction of nutrients into the soil. This study deals with insect succession on decomposing coarse woody debris in oriental spruce forests of Turkey. Six stages of decomposition were designated with indicator species identified for each stage with respect to the cutting time and the degree of coloration, decomposition or fragmentation of coarse woody debris. The degree of decomposition or fragmentation of the coarse woody debris was also analyzed in relation to their chemical properties. Eventually, indicator beetle species and the abundance and diversity of some other beetles were identified for each stage of decomposition. Four successional stages are distinguished for species associated with coarse woody debris at different stages of decomposition. The result of this study can be useful for estimating the time since cut and degrees of decomposition of coarse woody debris in similar areas.