The first observation of obligate saproxylic chafer larvae inside white stork Ciconia ciconia nest

Abstract

The white stork Ciconia ciconia nest, with its impressive size of over 1.5 m in height, a diameter of over 1.5 m and weight exceeding a ton, belongs the largest and heaviest structures built by birds all over the world. This permanent construction which is made of long sticks laid in layers and the thick lining consisting of hay, straw, manure, rubbish and rags, could last for decades. During that time, it can be an attractive shelter and breeding site for many organisms, including small birds, mammals and arthropods. However, due to some methodological constraints, the role of such nests for the diversity of saproxylic insects has not been well recognized so far. Here we report the first observation of occurrence of larvae of obligate saproxylic marbled rose-chafer, Protaetia lugubris (Cetoniinae) inside the white stork nest. We further discuss that the interior of a long-term stork nest may be an alternative to interiors of tree hollows in which typically most chafer’s larvae develop. Thus, white stork nest could provide supplementary habitat for saproxylic beetles of conservation interests.