Spatial-temporal distribution of carabid beetles in wetlands

In this study, we investigated carabid beetles residing in the wetlands to understand their ecological adaptation andstrategy selection associated with restricted resources and habitat limitation. The species richness, abundance, seasonalactivity, and spatial distribution of the carabid beetles between the Mujechi Wetlands (wetland sites) and Mt. Jeongjok(mountain sites) have been compared. A total of 1,733 individual beetles from 30 species were collected and classified atthe studied sites. The wetland sites were identified as having lower species richness and abundance for carabid beetleswhen compared with the adjacent mountain sites, whereas these beetles were observed to be dominant in the wetlandsites than in the adjacent mountain sites. Calosoma inquisitor cyanescens, Carabus sternbergi sternbergi, and Carabusjankowskii jankowskii species were dominant in both the wetland and mountain sites. These species showed significantlydifferent seasonal activity patterns in the wetland sites relative to the mountain sites. Although the three listed carabidspecies were observed to be widely distributed throughout the wetland sites, they still showed preference for drier sites,which clearly shows a distinction in their habitats. The results of the spatial-temporal distribution of carabid beetles inthe wetland sites reflect their special strategies regarding space and time partitioning for maintaining their population.The distribution patterns of carabid beetles in the wetland sites also showed the desiccation gradient and environmentalchanges prevalent in wetlands. Ecological surveys, which use carabid beetles in the wetlands, can then be performedwhen restoring wetlands and for establishing management practices for improving the habitat quality.