Interaction and Distribution of Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) Associated with Heliconia bihai (Heliconiaceae) Inflorescences

Abstract

The insect fauna associated with the genus Heliconia (Heliconiaceae) is quite diversified and includes terrestrial and aquatic species. In plants with an upright inflorescence, the bracts may form phytotelmata. Insects are one of the main taxa that have adapted to phytotelmata environments, including species of Diptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Odonata, among other orders. The Coleoptera fauna associated with phytotelmata is poorly studied, and the objective of this study was therefore to determine the distribution of beetles in Heliconia bihai (L.) (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae) bracts in cultivated and uncultivated areas in northeastern Brazil. In addition, we describe their functional relationships. With respect to the coleopteran assemblage, 6 families were found in both areas and 3 were found only in the uncultivated Heliconia. The most abundant and frequently occurring family in both areas was Hydrophilidae, represented by a single species, Pelosoma lafertei (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Staphylinidae were the second most abundant and the second most frequently occurring family. The detritivores were most abundant (6 species), followed by herbivores (3 species), and predators (2 species). Abundance and richness were higher in the uncultivated area. Temperature and pH were the main factors affecting the coleopteran assemblages. A high acidity indicates an environment rich in organic matter, the main food source in phytotelmata environments.