Biodiversity of Scolytinae and Platypodinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) in cerradão and ciliary forest with flight interception traps in Selvíria/MS

Abstract

The Brazilian Cerrado has a vast extension and high biodiversity; however, its insect fauna is poorly known. In this picture riparian forests are included, also greatly overlooked. Scolytinae and Platypodinae (Curculionidae), where bark and ambrosia beetles are the predominant groups, and well known as pests in orchards, forests and coffee plantations. However, these beetles may pose as bioindicator species in natural forest environments, where they indicate their state of preservation or anthropization. In this experiment we will determine the biodiversity and seasonal variation of this beetles in well preserved fragments of cerrado and riparian forest, both located at UNESP Farm in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. These determinations will be done with the aid of ethanol-baited flight intercept traps. Trap models to be used will be ESALQ-84, widely used in Brazil, which will be compared in its efficiency with the window trap, little used in the country. The study will run for a full year, with weekly trapping frequencies. (AU)