Distribution of early-arriving saproxylic beetles on standing dead Scots pine trees

The community composition of early-arriving saproxylic beetles on 80 standing and recently deceased Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) was examined. In total, 34 species of saproxylic beetles were found, comprising at least four well-defined groups of species identified by correspondence analysis. Bark thickness, trunk/branch diameter and height above ground significantly affected community composition, with bark thickness being the most important factor. Overall, 13.7% of the variance in species composition was explained by section of the tree that was sampled, a variable that encompasses the three aforementioned parameters.