Tree diversity drives abundance and spatiotemporal β-diversity of true bugs (Heteroptera).

1. Spatiotemporal patterns of canopy true bug diversity in forests of different tree species diversity have not yet been disentangled, although plant diversity has been shown to strongly impact the diversity and distribution of many insect communities.

2. Here we compare species richness of canopy true bugs across a tree diversity gradient ranging from simple beech to mixed forest stands. We analyse changes in community composition by additive partitioning of species diversity, for communities on various tree species, as well as for communities dwelling on beech alone.

3. Total species richness (γ‐diversity) and α‐diversity, and abundance of true bugs increased across the tree diversity gradient, while diversity changes were mediated by increased true bug abundance in the highly diverse forest stands. The same pattern was found for γ‐diversity in most functional guilds (e.g. forest specialists, herbivores, predators). Temporal and even more, spatial turnover (β‐diversity) among trees was closely related to tree diversity and accounted for ∼90% of total γ‐diversity.

4. Results for beech alone were similar, but species turnover could not be related to the tree diversity gradient, and monthly turnover was higher compared to turnover among trees.

5. Our findings support the hypothesis that with increasing tree diversity and thereby increasing habitat heterogeneity, enhanced resource availability supports a greater number of individuals and species of true bugs. Tree species identity and the dissimilarity of true bug communities from tree to tree determine community patterns.

6. In conclusion, understanding diversity and distribution of insect communities in deciduous forests needs a perspective on patterns of spatiotemporal turnover. Heterogeneity among sites, tree species, as well as tree individuals contributed greatly to overall bug diversity.