par Chaabane, Khalid ;Loreau, Michel ;Josens, Guy
Référence Annales zoologici Fennici, 33, 1, page (97-108)
Publication Publié, 1996
Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : For the first time, complete energy budgets were established in a ground-beetle species, Abax ater, for both a 'standard' individual (defined as an individual that shows complete development from egg to reproductive adult) under semi-natural conditions and a natural population, A female standard individual consumed 26.7 kJ during its lifetime. Gross (P/C) and net (P/A) production efficiencies decreased with age from 30% and 33%, respectively, in the first larval stage to 9% and 11%, respectively, during the second year in the adult stage. The adult accounted for most of the total individual energy budget (81% of consumption and 75% of production). From data on age-dependent survival and adult population density, the energy flow through a natural population of this species in a near-climax beechwood in Belgium was estimated at 8.1 kJ/m2/year. Larvae predominated in the total population energy budget (51% of consumption and 67% of production). Gross and net production efficiencies, however, remained low (15% and 17%, respectively, overall). Thus, Abax ater is characterized by a high assimilation efficiency, a low production efficiency and a relatively high adult contribution to the total energy flow. These features are well in keeping with the demographic traits of this species, i.e. a great adult longevity, a continuous reproduction, a low fecundity and a high population stability, and mark it out as a K-strategist.