Faunal and Biological Studies of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera; Carabidae and Brachinidae) : (1) Species Compositions on the Banks of the Same River System

Species composition of ground beetles in three river banks of the same river system in Yamaguchi City, Japan was investigated by pitfall trappings in 1991-1995. A total of 41 species of the two families, Carabidae and Brachinidae, were collected. The faunas found are different between river banks situated within a distance of 1.3 km. The difference is discussed concerning the environmental factors of habitats. Species diversity and similarity of the ground beetles on the three banks are described. Seasonal patterns of adult activities of the dominant or abundant species are illustrated. The faunas found are compared with those of nearby different habitats to clarify characteristics of river bank ground beetle fauna. Attempts are also made to select indicator species of river banks.