Urban expansion can result in a decline of soil insect diversity and can alter the multifunctionality associated with and driven by the soil community. Urban green spaces support flora and fauna, but the composition of their ecological communities differs from communities living in more natural ecosystems due to a reduction in the types and distribution of resources, a loss in landscape connectivity, and the introduction of novel habitats and invasive species. Identifying habitat-specific dynamics and how microhabitats can serve as significant hotspots for biodiversity within the urban landscape is crucial for effective urban ecosystem management and insect conservation. Sustainable landscape designs that incorporate native plants and improve the harsh urban soil conditions in residential areas may help conserve water and foster biodiversity of soil invertebrate groups. Through an integrated approach, I explore the diversity and functional traits of ground-active beetles across the Orlando metropolitan area, which is one of the most rapidly developing areas in the United States. This study aims not only to contribute to the academic discourse on urban biodiversity but also to inform urban management through sustainable development practices by elucidating the interconnected dynamics between microhabitats and landscape designs that support conservation efforts in urban ecosystems.
Alessandra Pandolfi
Advisor: Dr. Bohlen
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