**Natalia Stefania Piotrowska 1,\*, Stanisław Zbigniew Czachorowski 1and Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski <sup>2</sup>**


Received: 24 October 2020; Accepted: 14 December 2020; Published: 18 December 2020

**Abstract:** In a short period, we have observed the rapid expansion of bioenergy, resulting in growth in the area of energy crops. In Europe, willow and poplar growing in short-rotation coppices (SRC) are popular bioenergy crops. Their potential impact on biodiversity has not yet been fully investigated. Therefore, there are many uncertainties regarding whether commercial production can cause environmental degradation and biodiversity impoverishment. One of the aspects examined is the impact of these crops on entomofauna and ecosystem services. The best-studied insect group is ground beetles from the *Carabidae* family. This work gathers data on biodiversity and the functions of carabids in willow and poplar energy plants. The results of these investigations show that energy SRC plants and *Carabidae* communities can create a synergistic system of mutual benefits. Willow and poplar plants can be a valuable habitat due to the increased biodiversity of entomofauna. Additionally, SRC creates a transitional environment that allows insect migration between isolated populations. On the other hand, ground beetles are suppliers of ecosystem services and make a significant contribution to the building of sustainable agriculture by pest control, thereby ameliorating damage to field crops.

**Keywords:** willow SRC; energy plants; ground beetles; *Carabidae*; ecosystem services; invertebrate biodiversity
