Urban biodiversity: Exploring microhabitat heterogeneity and beetle communities in Central Florida urban parks

Urban parks and greenspaces support floral and faunal communities that may be significantly altered from their natural counterparts. Identifying the impacts of habitat diversity and microhabitat heterogeneity on ecological communities in these green spaces is crucial as they can serve as hotspots for biodiversity within the urban landscape, even though their primary purpose is often recreational. In this study, we explore the diversity and functional traits of ground-active beetles inhabiting three different microhabitats within urban parks, including turf grass and two more heterogeneous habitats across the Orlando Metropolitan Area, one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the US. Preliminary results suggest that areas dominated by turf grass harbor taxonomic groups exclusive to grass environments, many of which are non-native species. Conversely, more heterogeneous environments from both urban and natural habitats, promote diverse functional groups, including those involved in detrital food webs and nutrient cycling. Understanding these habitat-specific dynamics is crucial for effective management and conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban environments.