Multi‐Scale Microhabitat Drivers of Invertebrate Community Structure in Caves of Central‐Western Brazil

ABSTRACT Subterranean ecosystems are characterized by environmental stability and low availability of trophic resources, both of which are key factors shaping invertebrate communities. Although interest in subterranean biodiversity has increased in recent years, the influence of environmental variables across multiple spatial scales remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the role of microhabitat characteristics in determining species richness, community composition, and taxonomic distinctness of terrestrial invertebrates in 16 limestone caves in the Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Sampling was conducted at two spatial scales: 39 mesoscale plots (3 × 10 m) and 117 microscale plots (1 × 1 m), and complemented by non‐systematic general collections targeting troglobitic species. In total, 445 species belonging to 27 orders were recorded. Twenty species displayed traits associated with cave life. We found that trophic resource diversity and distance from the cave entrance influenced species richness, with resource heterogeneity promoting richness while increasing distance reduced it. At the meso‐scale, community composition was primarily determined by small variations in temperature, indicating that even minimal differences in a thermally stable environment can act as important ecological filters for the distribution of subterranean species. At the micro‐scale, shelter availability was the main factor associated with community composition, highlighting the role of substrate physical structure in providing refuges and microclimates that support different species. Taxonomic distinctness showed a positive correlation with species richness, indicating that richer communities sustain greater evolutionary diversity. In light of anthropogenic pressures, our findings provide a scientific basis for guiding conservation strategies.