Diversity and abundance of beetles (Coleoptera) in Matiari district, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Matiari district, located in Sindh Province, Pakistan, is endowed with diverse agricultural resources, including rice paddies, guava orchards, and crops such as barley, wheat, and lucerne (Medicago sativa). Beetle populations were surveyed in Matiari and neighboring areas, Hala, Saeedabad, Sekhat, Banoth, Odero Lal, and Bhitshah, during 2022-2023 using light traps and pitfall traps to collect adult specimens. Beetles (order Coleoptera) represent one of the most diverse insect orders globally, with over 400,000 described species. A total of 709 beetle specimens were collected, of which 10 species, representing four families, were accurately identified. The recorded species included Anthia sexguttata (Fabricius, 1775), Julodis euphratica (Laporte and Gory, 1835), Melolontha furcicauda (Ancey, 1881), Chiloloba acuta (Wiedemann, 1823), Protaetia indica (Mikšić, 1965), Carabus cashmirensis (Redtenbacher, 1844), Chlaenius hamifer (Chaudoir, 1856), Chlaenius quadricolor (Oliver, 1790), Catharsius pithecius (Fabricius, 1775), and Hycleus lugens (Latreille, 1817). Among these, Catharsius pithecius was the most abundant species. Most beetles were collected from muddy soils and cultivated fields during July, August, and September, coinciding with peak crop growth. Members of the family Carabidae are recognized as important biological control agents and bioindicators of environmental health. Scarabaeidae play key roles in nutrient cycling, pest regulation, and seed dispersal. Meloidae species are primarily agricultural pests, whereas Buprestidae include species that damage forestry and agricultural systems, although some contribute to decomposition and nutrient cycling. Despite their ecological significance, comprehensive studies on beetle diversity in Pakistan remain scarce.