Forest age is a primary trait filter for saproxylic beetles in the southeastern United States

Many forests throughout the world consist of regenerating mature stands. Although these forests differ in many respects from old-growth (with a history of minimal human disturbance), they typically develop similar structural attributes over time. As a result, older mature forests may be of particular conservation value if they contain resources and microhabitats benefitting saproxylic (deadwood dependent) species. Species’ response to forest age may be driven by traits that relate to ecological functions or habitat preferences, such that species with less compatible traits for a local forest environment are “filtered” out. Thus, forest age may influence species’ distributions and the trait composition of assembled communities.