Micro‐habitat drivers of saproxylic beetle assemblages in old woodlands of Mediterranean cork oak ( <i>Quercus suber</i> )

Cork oak landscapes are fascinating ecosystems, historically managed for cork extraction. The persistence in this habitat of many hollow veteran trees provides suitable micro-habitats saproxylic beetles. We investigated the beetle community two isolated woodlands central Italy with different degree recovery after human transformation: (1) an open woodland and (2) a dense mixed woodland, both dominated by trees. found endemic, rare threatened beetles areas, confirming important conservation value landscapes. In we observed higher number species all trophic categories, except mycophagous specialists. Several microhabitat variables reflected stage woodlands. Our findings suggest crucial role diversified environments protected areas: even small difference (i.e., tree closeness) can affect species. Specifically, more xerophilous mesophilous woodland.