Atlas of Habitats

colony

0.15 m³

at 0 m

48.2ºN

A40 [chiseled] cavity

wood

mixed

invertebrates

A40 [chiseled] cavity

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Introduction

Austria
Prater Park
48.20440° N, 16.40974° E
16/06/2024, 3:30 pm

A former woodpecker cavity in a tree, once used by the bird for nesting and feeding, became a habitat for a variety of other organisms, including ants and beetles. These insects utilize the cavity for shelter, breeding and foraging. This dead tree, most likely been broken up by a storm, is located in the Prater in the City of Vienna. The Prater is a large public park in Vienna’s second district.

Micro Climate

The moist, decaying wood within the cavity offers an ideal site for beetles to lay their eggs. The larvae can feed on the decomposing wood and other organic matter, ensuring their growth and development. The proximity to decaying wood and other organic materials provides beetles with a steady food supply.

Material

The enclosed nature of the cavity offers ants protection from predators and environmental extremes such as temperature fluctuations, wind, and rain. The cavity helps maintain humidity levels, which is crucial for ant brood development and overall colony health. Ants can establish extensive networks of trails leading from the cavity to various food sources, such as nearby trees, plants, and the forest floor.

Location

The Prater, which served as a former hunting ground to the Emperor, is an axial-oriented park that is 4.5 km long and is home to more than 2,600 trees. Although there are times when removing dead wood is necessary for management or safety purposes, leaving it in place often provides significant benefits to the forest ecosystem. Dead wood supports a wide range of species that contribute to the overall biodiversity in the forest.

Construction

Both ants and beetles play crucial roles in the forest ecosystem. The tree has ants that contribute to soil aeration, seed dispersal, and the decomposition of organic matter. Their foraging activities help control pest populations and recycle nutrients. Beetles, particularly wood-boring species, are integral to the decomposition process, breaking down dead wood and returning nutrients to the soil.