Evaluation of baits for trapping of Neotropical flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae)

Abstract

The lack of a standardized protocol to efficiently capture flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae) in the wild limits studies regarding the ecology of the group, as well as systematic collections seeking species surveys for taxonomic studies, especially in the Neotropical region. We investigate the efficiency of different baits to capture flower chafer beetles in the Brazilian Cerrado: (i) banana; (ii) banana + sugarcane juice; (iii) pineapple; (iv) pineapple + sugarcane juice; (v) sugarcane juice; or (vi) water (control). From January to December 2014, we sampled these beetles using a typical aerial fruit‐baited trap, every 15 days in ten sites of Brazilian Cerrado, in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Traps baited with banana + sugarcane juice, pineapple + sugarcane juice and sugarcane juice alone sampled the greatest species richness and abundance of flower chafer beetles when compared to the other baits used. Our results indicated the importance of sugarcane juice, either used in isolation or as a coadjutant in the fermentation process of the tested fruits for efficient sampling of flower chafer beetle biodiversity. Finally, studies that investigate the addition of other substances in the fermentation process of the fruits, as well as the attractiveness of other native or exotic fruits that are widely distributed in the Neotropical region, can advance our knowledge of sampling of these beetles.

Effects of fruit‐baited trap height on flower and leaf chafer scarab beetles sampling in Amazon rainforest

“…There is no standardization of ideal trap installation height for an accurate sampling of flower and leaf chafer beetles in the wild, which limits the studies on the ecology of the group, as well as systematic collections aimed at species surveys for taxonomic studies (Correa et al . ).…”

“…; Correa et al . ,b) and between 1.5 and 10.5 m in Atlantic forest (Gonçalves & Louzada ; Puker et al . ).…”

“…; Correa et al . ). The banana (“nanica” variety) used for the production of baits were purchased in the local trade at the city of Porto Velho, which usually came from other localities in Brazil.…”

“…Traps were covered with a plastic lid (Ø = 20 cm) in order to reduce desiccation of the bait and avoid accumulation of rainwater (Correa et al . ,b). After 7 days, the traps were inspected for insect removal and bait replacement.…”

Usage of Fermental Traps for Studying the Species Diversity of Coleoptera

“…Traps with baits made of beer, palm wine, and various fruits (banana, mango, papaya, or pineapple) were successfully used to catch Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae) [116]. Other studies [117] show that there were the greatest species richness and abundance of Cetoniinae in traps with bait made from banana juice and sugar cane, pineapple and sugar cane and only sugar cane juice compared to other baits. These results showed the importance of sugar cane juice, used either in isolation or as an additive in the fruit fermentation process, for effective sampling [117].…”