Structure and dynamics of carabid community (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in meadow steppe

In the meadow steppe 76 species carabid beetles were registered in four var iants: unmown, periodically mown, annualy mown and pasture. Dynamics of the population structure based on data of the 13 years research is discussed. In all variants Poecilus versicolor Sturm. dominated. Species of the meadow ecological group prevail in the community. As compared with the results of the previous research in 1970, a changing of dominants took place, many fo rest species appeared in the steppe. Structural changes in carabid complexe s art: suggested to be related to an increase of climatic humidity and comp lication of oak forests.