Data from: Soil and ground-dwelling arthropod diversity on green roofs: Functional groups are strongly influenced by substrate depth and plant community

Green roofs are a nature-based solution with the potential to support
urban arthropod biodiversity. However, evidence remains inconclusive, as
many roof characteristics and arthropod groups are still
understudied. We used a multi-taxa and functional trait approach
focused on soil and ground-dwelling arthropod communities to assess how
green roof features related to structure and design, plant community,
management, and surrounding landscape influence the species richness and
abundance of arthropods (overall and of groups defined by vertical
distribution, body size, mobility, and feeding habits). We
sampled arthropods (N=7155, 244 species) using pitfall traps in 20 green
roofs from central Argentina, and recorded green roof characteristics
(i.e., size, age, height, substrate depth and composition, plant species
richness and composition, irrigation, and landscape green
cover). Substrate depth was the most important structural
variable, being positively linked to the species richness of euedaphic and
hemiedaphic arthropods and other groups. Additionally, substrates
containing plant litter and sand benefited detritivores. Plant
composition influenced the richness and abundance of herbivores and
parasitoids, probably due to the presence of specific resources.
Irrigation increased total abundance and richness of hemiedaphics and
small arthropods, although total richness was unaffected. Landscape green
cover was positively related to parasitoid and small-sized arthropod
abundance, highlighting the role of green spaces as sources of
individuals. Our findings demonstrate that green roofs can
support diverse communities of soil and ground-dwelling arthropods with
varied functional traits, offering practical insights for designing
biodiverse green roofs and conserving species within urban ecosystems.