Body size differentiation in selected carabid species inhabiting Puszcza Piska forest stands disturbed by the hurricane

Intraspecific differentiation in body size was investigated for Carabus arcensis, C. violaceus and Pterostichus niger populations inhabiting pine forests disturbed by the hurricane in July 2002 and left "untouched" as an experimental area ("Szast Reference Forest"; Pisz Forest District, NE Poland). Non-affected control stands were established in Maskulińskie Forest District (NE Poland). Beetles were sampled using pitfall traps. The hurricane contributed to significant reduction in both C. arcensis and C. violaceus mean body length. However, an opposite trend was observed for P. niger which increased considerably in body size in disturbed stands compared to control ones. The most pronounced changes were observed in 2007. Differences in habitat preferences and food resources utilization of C. arcensis, C. violaceus and P. niger are discussed.