Factors determining diversity of saproxylic arthropods in the fruiting bodies of the birch polypore fungus (Fomitopsis betulina)

Certain basidiomycete fungi produce semi-stable fruiting bodies, known as brackets, that support a significant quality of saproxylic invertebrate biodiversity, especially in northern forests. The objective of this investigation was to assess the drivers of saproxylic diversity within the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis betulina. We explore which factors are significant determinants of arthropod diversity and abundance, examining the effects of sporocarp size, height above the ground, and relative isolation from neighbouring sporocarps. We find that larger sporocarps support a greater number of arthropods, but diversity and species richness are determined by distance from nearest neighbour.