Diversity of Beetles (Coleoptera) in an Inter-Andean Dry Tropical Forest in Ecuador

Abstract

Despite the high rates of biodiversity and endemism in Inter-Andean Dry Tropical Forests (IADTF), part of the endangered Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTF), the study of insect biodiversity in this habitat has been neglected. This study aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding beetle diversity at an Ecuadorian IADTF, specifically at Bosque Protector Jerusalém (BPJ). A rapid survey collected 568 beetle specimens representing 66 species, with Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae, and Coccinellidae as the most abundant families. The Simpson index revealed high species diversity, with five dominant species contributing significantly to abundance. The presence of singletons and doubletons indicated a rich and complex community structure. The species accumulation curve did not reach an asymptote, and the Chao 1 index estimated a total of 105 beetle species at BPJ, suggesting further undiscovered diversity. Several potentially new taxa were found, including a new genus country record for Psomus Casey (Curculionidae), highlighting the need for further taxonomic research in this under-sampled ecosystem. Additionally, evidence of introduced species emphasizes the influence of the peri-urban landscape surrounding BPJ. This study provides a baseline for future biodiversity assessments and conservation initiatives, emphasizing the importance of studying sensitive taxa like beetles to understand and protect the vulnerable IADTF ecosystem.