Moth community responses to woodland creation: The influence of woodland age, patch characteristics and landscape attributes

Aim Large-scale habitat creation is crucial to mitigate the current ecological crisis, but scientific evidence on its effects biodiversity scarce. Here, we assess how assemblages of a biodiverse group (moths) develop over time in sites. We use temperate woodlands as case study, and compare species restored mature patches. also identify local- landscape-level attributes associated with high richness abundance. Location Central Scotland, United Kingdom. Methods surveyed moths chronosequence 79 woodland patches encompassing sites (20–160 years old) “ancient” (250+ old). used structural equation models, generalized linear models ordination techniques quantify moth community responses creation, degree similarity ancient woodlands. Results Woodland harboured large numbers (212), were dominated by generalists had turnover. Moth abundance diversity increased connectivity. Macromoths more abundant diverse younger woodlands; micromoth specialists occurred frequently older Ancient similar abundance/richness than (except for fewer macromoth specialist species), their composition was somewhat different. Patterns beta (low nestedness) indicated that are not simply subsets Main conclusions To benefit communities, should be structurally close proximity other At landscape scale, mosaic different ages likely increase (and consequently gamma) diversity. each host substantial proportions “unique” species; individual contain distinctive protected valued contribution regional