COLEOPTERANS (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN MYCO-CONSORTIUMS OF BASIDIOMYCETES (FUNGI) IN THE SARATOV REGION (RUSSIA)
During the study period, we found 718 beetle specimens belonging to 48 species and 11 families on the fruiting bodies of 18 basidiomycete species. Average specimen number found in the whole fungi was Naverage = 42.2 specimens (Nmax = 368). The average number of species per fruiting body was Saverage = 4.9 (Smax = 23). The highest percentage of fungus-confined coleopterans was in fruiting bodies of Cerioporus squamosus (S = 47.9%, N = 51.3%) and Laetiporus sulphureus (S = 29.2%, N = 21.7%), which were the most common study objects in our study. Dacne bipustulata had the highest occurrence frequency in samples. This species was found in seven (of 17) species of basidiomycetes. Mycetophagus quadripustulatus and Diaperis boleti had also high frequency occurrence; these species were found in fruiting bodies of six basidiomycete species. Heteroconcentric consortium models were created for two basidiopmycete species, which characterised by highest occurrence frequency. In present model, topical and trophic types of relations were dominant (system-forming). Protection-forming relationships were secondary. They were caused by both a structure of fungi fruiting bodies and lifestyle of certain Coleoptera species.