Rare Invertebrates Colonizing Green Roofs in London

by Gyongyver Kadas

Royal Holloway University of London, Biological Sciences, 4 West Heath Drive, London NW11 7QH U.K.

Abstract

The biodiversity potential of green roofs in London and their potential role in invertebrate conservation and habitat mitigation were studied. In summer and autumn 2004, I investigated three different habitat types: green (Sedum) roofs, brown/biodiverse roofs, and brownfields. The study focused on three diverse invertebrate groups: Araneae (spiders), Coleoptera (beetles), and aculeate Hymenoptera (wasps, ants, bees). A high abundance of invertebrates were found on the roofs. At least 10% of species collected at the study sites were designated nationally rare or scarce, in accordance with criteria established by the intergovernmental agency Natural England. The data indicate that green and brown/biodiverse roofs can be important tools for invertebrate conservation.

Key words: biodiversity; brown/biodiverse roofs; brownfield sites; green roofs; invertebrates; nationally rare and scarce species; spiders