Abstract Epigeic coleopteran species are linked by complex trophic webs and implicated in several ecosystem services for agriculture. Although there are reports of ground-dwelling Coleopterans inhabiting main extensive agroecosystems, their assemblages in horticultural crops in Argentina have been little explored. We examined the community structure of epigeal Coleoptera assemblages of Curculionidae, Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Coccinellidae species, in lettuce and tomato crops located in Northern Buenos Aires province, over a 3-year sampling period (2010 to 2013) by using pit-fall traps. Crop species and cycles, and phytosanitary measures (conventional and organic farming), were main factors considered as influencing the insect species composition, abundance and seasonal occurrence in the assemblages. Seventy coleopteran species were identified. The curculionids Ceutorhynchini sp. and Phyrdenus muriceus (Germar), the carabid Scarithes anthracinus Dejean, the coccinelid Eriopis connexa (Germar) and the staphylinids Aleochara sp. and Aleochara obscurus Bernhauer are the most common species in lettuce and tomato crops in the region studied. Especially the carabids, staphylinids and E. connexa are known act as natural enemies of several pests in the agroecosystems studied. Coleopteran assemblages found in lettuce differed from those associated to tomato crops, being the cropping season the main factor that influenced the community structure.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the abundance and diversity of Coleoptera in five land use systems (LUS) and the soil properties that explain the distribution of these organisms. Uses involved native forest (NF), Eucalyptus plantation (EP), perennial pasture (PA), integrated crop-livestock (ICL) and no-tillage (NT) in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. Coleopterans were sampled by the methods of pitfall traps and soil monoliths during the winter and summer. Regardless of the LUS, 1,441 individuals were captured, with Staphylinidae being the most representative family (~47%). The use of NF showed higher abundances of coleopterans. The land use systems PA, NT, and ICL obtained high values of diversity of Coleoptera families, depending on the method and season of collection. The distribution of families was influenced by the sampling season, and some soil properties such as biopores, water content and phosphorus can explain the variation of abundance among the LUS.

Abstract Viviparity is characterized by the retention of fertilized eggs in reproductive tract of the female. This condition is very common in vertebrates, but relatively rare in invertebrates, including insects. The present work presents a review on viviparity in Staphylinidae, with special attention on genus Corotoca Schiødte, 1853. The genus is composed by six termitophilous species with neotropical distribution, and together with Spirachtha Schiødte, 1853 are the only to genera with species confirmed as viviparous in the family. Also, information and discussion are presented on the life cycle of Corotoca species based on dissection of females in laboratory and field observations. During the dissection of females of four species of Corotoca we observed that each female carries three eggs at the same time. The embryos present asynchronous development: when one is located at apex of abdomen, the other two are at IV segment, on abdomen curvature. These observations are complementary with those obtained in field observation, when the female deposits a larva outside the nest, on the foraging trail of termite Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901). The strategy of Corotoca species focused on the immature as dispersing agent is derived and probably favor the fitness in relation to a hypothetical condition in which the adult is the dispersive agent.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the leaf-litter entomofauna in degraded areas under restoration process with different restoration techniques, using the native forest as a reference and ecological indexes as parameters to select bioindicator groups. The study was conducted at “Serra do Itajaí” National Park (PNSI). The survey was conducted from winter/2014 to autumn/2016. The characterization of sampled communities was performed using identification, order, families and faunal indexes such as frequency, constancy and dominance. Overall, 11,241 insects from 57 taxonomic groups were collected in pitfall traps. The native forest showed the greatest richness observed. Groups classified as frequent, constant and dominant in all environments were the Formicidae family and Diptera Order. Significant differences were observed in the frequencies of Ptiliidae, Staphylinidae and Cicadellidae families and also Diptera Order. Coleoptera Ptiliidae, Staphylinidae families and Scolytinae subfamily showed potential as bioindicators of environmental quality at PNSI.

ABSTRACT Despite the economic importance of lettuce, no studies have examined the diversity of species associated with this crop that could contribute to the development of an ecological management of phytophagous arthropods and mollusks. This study was aimed at determining the predominant species of arthropods and mollusks in two lettuce cultivars (curly-leaf Veronica and smooth-leaf Elisa). A total of 9,638 specimens of arthropods and mollusks was collected and identified to 27 constant species, 17 classified as accessory and two as accidental species. Seven species of aphids were identified, with Nasonovia ribisnigri, Uroleucon sonchi, and Uroleucon ambrosiae as the most frequent, as well as three species of thrips, predominantly Caliothripsphaseoli and Frankliniella schultzei. Other phytophagous arthropods and mollusks occurred at frequencies below 10%. Among natural enemies, predators of the families Syrphidae (2.74%), Coccinellidae (1.66%), Staphylinidae (0.79%) and Carabidae (0.17%) and parasitoids of the order Hymenoptera (0.93%) were observed. Of the total specimens collected, 53.87% are considered phytophagous species, mostly aphids (40.82%), followed by thrips (11.35%). The aphid N. ribisnigri was the main pest species, as it forms colonies in the lettuce head and can spread plant viruses. Phytophagous pests preferred smooth over curly leaves.

RESUMEN A pesar de la importancia económica de la lechuga, no hay estudios que hayan analizado la diversidad de especies asociadas a este cultivo que podrían contribuir al manejo ecológico de los artrópodos fitófagos y moluscos. Este estudio tuvo como finalidad determinar las especies predominantes de artrópodos y moluscos en dos cultivares de lechuga (Veronica de hoja rizada y Elisa de hoja lisa). De un total de 9.638 ejemplares de artrópodos y moluscos se identificaron 27 especies comunes, 17 fueron clasificados como especies accesorias y dos especies, como accidentales. Se identificaron siete especies de áfidos, siendo Nasonovia ribisnigri, Uroleucon sonchi, Uroleucon ambrosiae, las más frecuentes. En trips se identificaron tres especies, siendo las más frecuentes Caliothrips phaseoli y Frankliniella schultzei. Otros artrópodos fitófagos y moluscos fueron identificados en frecuencias por debajo del 10%. Entre los enemigos naturales, se identificaron depredadores de las familias Syrphidae (2,74%), Coccinellidae (1,66%), Staphylinidae (0,79%) y Carabidae (0,17%) y parasitoides del orden Hymenoptera (0,93%). De las muestras totales recolectadas, 53.87% se consideran especies de fitófagos, principalmente áfidos (40.82%), seguido por trips (11,35%). El áfido N. ribisnigri fue la principal especie plaga ya que forma colonias en la cabeza de lechuga y puede propagar virus en las plantas. Los fitófagos prefieren las lechugas de hojas lisas por sobre las rizadas.

ABSTRACT Paederus fuscipes, a vector of Paederus dermatitis in most tropical and subtropical countries of the world have a high prevalence in human dwellings due to their positively phototaxic behaviour which has caused a tremendous impact on human health. In this paper, P. fuscipes dispersal flights were studied for two seasons of the rice cultivation phases in residential premises built close to rice field areas (≈32-60 m and 164 m) in mainland Penang, Malaysia. We examined the effects of different light illuminance, building floor level and their association with rice stages as a focal cause of P. fuscipes dispersion from the rice fields towards human dwellings. The present study showed a significant interaction between different light illuminances and rice cultivation phases in attracting P. fuscipes to disperse and invade human dwellings. The highest number of P. fuscipes was captured near the bright light. P. fuscipes flights increased in line with each floor level, and the highest captures took place at higher building floor levels (levels 2 and 3) compared to lower building floor levels (ground floor and level 1) of a three storey apartment in both rice seasons. This finding not only conveys a better understanding on P. fuscipes dispersal pattern, but also draws public attention on the occurrence of dermatitis linearis caused by the Paederus beetles.

Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (BONP) is the largest protected area in Chile and southern hemisphere. With over 3.5 million hectares, it has a complex continental and archipelagic topography with a mosaic of evergreen forests, coastal scrub and peatlands. Given the future of the Chilean environmental legislation, all protected areas will be re-evaluated according to scientific parameters. Therefore, and considering that insects are currently recognized by the Chilean law, we aim at providing information on the spatial distribution of beetles using pitfall traps in 20 sites associated with the park. We evaluate the effect of vegetation and type of environment (insular, continental) on taxonomic composition, richness, abundance and diversity of beetles. A total of 15 families, 33 genera and 38 species were recorded. Many of these represent monotypic groups. The most diverse families were Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Curculionidae. No significant effect of vegetation and type of environment on any community measurement was observed since the vegetation and sectors analyzed are part of a larger biogeographic unit. Additionally, we determined 11 species to the park, which are significantly associated among them. We discuss the importance of this kind of information to make biogeographical approaches.

El Parque Nacional Bernardo O'Higgins (PNBO), corresponde al área silvestre protegida más extensa de Chile y del Hemisferio Sur; con más de 3,5 millones de hectáreas presenta una compleja topografía continental e insular con un mosaico de bosques perennifolios, matorral costero y turberas. Considerando que los insectos son actualmente reconocidos por la legislación chilena, el objetivo fue entregar información de la distribución espacial de coleópteros capturados con trampas de intercepción en 20 sitios asociados al parque y evaluar el efecto que tiene la vegetación y tipo de ambiente (insular, continental) sobre la composición taxonómica, riqueza, abundancia y diversidad de los mismos. Se registró un total de 15 familias, 33 géneros y 38 especies, muchas de las cuales pertenecen a géneros monotípicos. Las familias más diversas fueron Carabidae, Curculionidae y Staphylinidae. No se evidenció efecto significativo del tipo de ambiente ni de la vegetación sobre ningún parámetro comunitario analizado; lo anterior respondería a que las formaciones vegetales y sitios investigados forman parte de una unidad biogeográfica mayor. Por otra parte, se determinó que 11 taxones se encuentran asociados significativamente. Se discute, la importancia de este tipo de información al momento de realizar aproximaciones biogeográficas.

Abstract: The list of beetle species deposited at the Arhtropods Collection of the Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala (CAFESI), UNAM, includes 10,277 specimens, grouped in five superfamilies, 15 families, 41 subfamilies, 172 genera and 570 species, of wich 231 are identified at species level and 339 at genus level and separated at morphspecies. The families Staphylinidae and Scarabaeidae represent 87.7% of the richness and 73% of the total specimens. The collection housed two holotypes of Paederinae, and paratypes of three species of Paederinae and two species of Staphylininae (Staphylinidae). It has a regional geographic coverage, 96% of the species and specimens recorded come from nine states of south central region of México, mainly from Estado de México with 54.7% of the species and 41.6% of the specimens, followed by Morelos, Guerrero and Michoacán. The collection also includes 61 specimens of 11 species of Paederinae coming from Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. Forty five percent of the species and 26% of the specimens come from the tropical deciduous forest, while 30.8% of the species and 17.6% of the specimens come from the temperate forest.

Resumen: La lista de especies de coleópteros depositados en la Colección de Artrópodos de la Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala (CAFESI), UNAM, incluye 10,277 especímenes, agrupados en cinco superfamilias, 15 familias, 41 subfamilias, 172 géneros y 570 especies, de las cuales 231 están identificadas nivel especie y de éstas, 339 a género y separadas a morfoespecie. Las familias Staphylinidae y Scarabaeidae representan el 87.7% de la riqueza y el 73% del total de especímenes. La colección alberga dos holotipos de Paederinae, y paratipos de tres especies de Paederinae y dos especies de Staphylininae (Staphylinidae). Tiene una cobertura geográfica regional, 96% de las especies y especímenes registrados provienen de nueve estados de la región centro-sur de México, principalmente del Estado de México con 54.7% de las especies y 41.6% de los especímenes, le siguen Morelos, Guerrero y Michoacán. Se incluyen especímenes de 11 especies de Paederinae provenientes de Argentina, Bolivia y Brasil. Del bosque tropical caducifolio provienen el 45% de las especies y el 26% de los ejemplares, mientras que el 30.8% de las especies y el 17.6% de los especímenes provienen de los bosques templados.

O Brasil é o país que possui o maior número de espécies de coleópteros bioluminescentes no mundo. Entretanto, estimativas sugerem que este número possa ser bem maior, dado que muitas espécies ainda não foram descritas. Neste trabalho foi realizado um levantamento das espécies de coleópteros bioluminescentes em três localidades na Serra da Paranapiacaba - a maior área remanescente contígua de Mata Atlântica no país, com associação ao respectivo habitat. No Parque Estadual Intervales, Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho e Tapiraí foram coletadas as seguintes espécies: (Lampyidae) Aspisoma lineatum, Aspisoma physonotum, Aspisoma fenestrata, Cratomorphus besckey, Cratomorphus distinctus, Photinus penai, Photinus sp1, Photinus sp9, Ethra aff. malledicta ou axilaris, Ethra aff. adicta, Lucidotini incertae sedis, Cladodes flabellicornis, Cladodes demoulini, Amydetes sp1, Bicellonycha sp8, Bicellonycha ornaticollis, Pyrogaster lunifer, Pyrogaster moestus, Pyrogaster sp2, Pyrogaster sp5, Pyrogaster sp6, Photuris lugubris, Photuris sp1, Photuris sp7; (Phengodidae) Stenophrixotrix sp1, Brasilocerus sp2, Pseudophengodes sp1; (Elateridae) Hapsodrilus pyrotis, Hypsiophtalmus sp1, Ptesimopsia luculenta, Pyroptesis cincticollis, Pyrearinus brevicolis, Pyrearinus candelarius, Pyrearinus micatus, Pyrophorus divergens. Estes dados mostram que esta constitui a segunda área mais rica em espécies luminescentes do Estado de São Paulo, depois da Est. Biológica de Boracéia, especialmente em elaterídeos, com espécies únicas características destas localidades e espécies comuns è outras áreas investigadas, como as da Estação Biológica de Boracéia (Salesópolis, SP) e áreas urbanizadas no triângulo Campinas - Sorocaba - São Paulo, originalmente cobertas por Mata Atlântica.

Brazil is the country with the largest number of bioluminescent beetle species in the world. However, estimates suggest that this number could much be higher, since many species remain to be discovered. In this work we made a survey of the species of bioluminescent beetles in Serra de Paranapiacaba - the largest remnant of Atlantic Forest in São Paulo State. The survey was done at Intervales State Park, Carlos Botelho State Park and municipality of Tapiraí and the following species were collected: Aspisoma lineatum, Aspisoma physonotum, Aspisoma fenestrata, Cratomorphus besckey, Cratomorphus distinctus, Photinus penai, Photinus sp1, Photinus sp9, Ethra aff. malledicta or axilaris, Ethra aff. adicta , Lucidotini incertae sedis, Cladodes flabellicornis, Cladodes demoulini, Amydetes lucernuta, Bicellonycha sp8, Bicellonycha ornaticollis, Pyrogaster lunifer, Pyrogaster moestus, Pyrogaster sp2, Pyrogaster sp5, Pyrogaster sp6, Photuris lugubris, Photuris sp1, Photuris sp7, Stenophrixotrix sp1, Brasilocerus sp1, Pseudophengodes sp1, Hapsodrilus pyrotis, Hypsiophtalmus sp1, Ptesimopsia luculenta, Pyroptesis cincticollis, Pyrearinus brevicolis, Pyrearinus candelarius, Pyrearinus micatus, Pyrophorus divergens. Our data show that Serra de Paranapiacaba is the second richest area in São Paulo state, especially in elaterids, with unique species typical of this area and species common to other investigated sites such as the Biological Station of Boracéia (in Salesópolis county) and the urbanized areas in the between Campinas - Sorocaba- São Paulo, originally covered to the Atlantic Rainforest.

Besouros da família Staphylinidae são comuns em zonas costeiras inundáveis pelas marés, como praias arenosas, manguezais, estuários e marismas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a distribuição espacial e a variação temporal da abundância ao longo de um ano, das espécies ocorrentes em duas praias arenosas (Assenodi e Cem) no Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brasil. Coletas semanais com um cilindro de PVC com 15 cm de diâmetro (0,017 m²) enterrado a 5 cm de profundidade, foram realizadas de janeiro a dezembro de 2012. A praia Assenodi apresentou altos valores de umidade de sedimento no supralitoral e pós-praia. Nesta praia, Bledius bonariensis foi dominante, mas também houve registro de B. fernandezi, ambas distribuídas nas porções superiores do perfil praial e ocorreram ao longo de todo o ano. A praia Cem apresentou valores altos de umidade do sedimento apenas no mesolitoral, em decorrência da subida e descida da maré, neste estrato B. hermani, foi a espécie dominante. Bledius bonariensis teve ocorrência ocasional em alguns meses do outono e inverno, associada a um aumento nas precipitações. A variação na abundância de B. hermani foi grande, sendo os maiores valores associados às altas temperaturas do verão. As espécies de Bledius mostraram uma clara separação espacial relacionada a distintos requerimentos ambientais, o que possibilita a coocorrência das três espécies na mesma praia em função de variações ambientais ao longo do ano.

Staphylinidae beetles are common in coastal areas flooded by tides, such as sandy beaches, mangroves, salt marshes, estuaries. The aim of this work was to investigate the spatial distribution and temporal variation in abundance throughout the year of the species sampled along two sandy beaches (Assenodi and Cem) in Pontal do Paraná, Brazil. Weekly samples with a 15 cm diameter PVC corer (0.017 m²) buried 5 cm in sediment depth were done from January to December 2012. Assenodi beach showed sediments with high humidity values at supralittoral and backshore. In this beach, Bledius bonariensis was the dominant species, and together with B. fernandezi occurred in the upper beach portion during the whole year. Cem beach showed sediment with high humidity values only at midlittoral and related to the rise and fall of the tide. Here, B. hermani was the dominant species, with B. bonariensis occurring sporadically in some autumn and winter months and related to an increase in precipitation. B. hermani presented a great variation in abundances, with highest values associated with high summer temperatures. Bledius species showed a clear spatial separation related to different environmental requirements that enable their co-occurrence within the same beach, due to environmental variations during the year.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial predatório de besouros adultos de Carabidae e Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) sobre lagartas de quarto instar da lagarta-da-soja, em laboratório. Inicialmente, avaliou-se a capacidade de consumir uma lagarta por 24 horas. Para as espécies que causaram ≥80% de mortalidade da presa, determinou-se a taxa de consumo, tendo-se oferecido uma lagarta por 24 horas, durante quatro dias consecutivos. Os carabídeos Calosoma granulatum, Cynthidia croceipes, Odontocheila nodicornis e Pseudabarys sp. 1; as espécies dos gêneros Galerita, Scarites e Tetracha; e os estafilinídeos Eulissus chalybaeus, Glenus cyanicollis e Xenopygus sp. 2 apresentam elevado potencial predatório.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the predatory potential of adult Carabidae and Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) beetles on fourth-instar larvae of the velvetbean caterpillar, in the laboratory. Initially, the capacity to consume one caterpillar during 24 hours was evaluated. For species that caused ≥80% mortality of the prey, the consumption rate was determined, by offering one caterpillar during 24 hours for four consecutive days. The carabids Calosoma granulatum, Cynthidia croceipes, Odontocheila nodicornis, and Pseudabarys sp. 1; the species of the Galerita, Scarites, and Tetracha genera; and the staphylinids Eulissus chalybaeus, Glenus cyanicollis, and Xenopygus sp. 2 show great predatory potential.

A riqueza, abundância e sazonalidade da coleopterofauna associada a carcaças de suínos expostas em uma área de Caatinga foram examinadas. Para captura desses insetos foram utilizadas armadilhas do tipo bandeja, pitfall e Shannon modificada, durante duas estações (seca e chuvosa). 4.851 coleópteros foram coletados, pertencentes a 19 famílias e 88 espécies. Staphylinidae (2.184) e Histeridae (1.264) foram as famílias mais abundantes e somaram 71,1% dos espécimes coletados. Scarabaeidae (15) apresentou a maior riqueza. As espécies mais abundantes foram Atheta iheringi Bernhauer, 1908 (Staphylinidae) (1,685), Euspilotus sp. (Histeridae) (461), Stelidota geminata (Say, 1825) (Nitidulidae) (394), Xerosaprinus diptychus(Marseul, 1855) (Histeridae) (331) e Dermestes maculatus De Geer, 1774 (Dermestidae). Entre essas espécies, X. diptychus mostrou-se fortemente influenciada pela sazonalidade, uma vez que 96,1% dos espécimes foram coletados durante a estação seca.

The species richness, abundance and seasonality of Coleoptera fauna associated with pig carcasses exposed in a Caatinga area were examined. Tray, pitfall and modified Shannon traps were settled together to collect these insects during two seasons (dry and rainy). 4,851 beetles were collected, belonging to 19 families and 88 species. Staphylinidae (2,184) and Histeridae (1,264) were the most abundant families and accounted for 71.1% of the specimens collected. Scarabaeidae (15) showed the highest species richness. The most abundant species were Atheta iheringi Bernhauer, 1908 (Staphylinidae) (1,685), Euspilotus sp. (Histeridae) (461), Stelidota geminata (Say, 1825) (Nitidulidae) (394), Xerosaprinus diptychus(Marseul, 1855) (Histeridae) (331) and Dermestes maculatus De Geer, 1774 (Dermestidae). Amongst these species, X. diptychus showed to be strongly influenced by seasonality, since 96.1% of the specimens were collected during the dry season.

We provide information on the specific richness of Mexican Staphylinidae. Brief comments on the biology are included, as well as the number of species by subfamily and by Mexican state, and the number of endemic species. We recognize 1 656 species recorded from Mexico with Staphylininae as the subfamily with highest specific richness: 386 species. Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas remain as the richest Mexican states that contain also the highest numbers of endemic species. "Genera et species staphylinorum insectorum coleopterorum familiae" and the "Biologia Centrali-Americana" are recognized as key works for the development of our knowledge of Mexican staphylinids. This paper is an update of the Mexican Staphylinidae diversity based primarily on the "Illustrated guide to the genera of Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) of Mexico".

Se presenta información sobre la riqueza específica de los Staphylinidae en México. Se incluyen comentarios breves sobre la biología de la familia, además del número de especies por subfamilia, por estados y número de especies endémicas. En este trabajo se reconoce la presencia de 1 656 especies, siendo Staphylininae la que presenta la mayor riqueza específica con 386 especies. Veracruz, Oaxaca y Chiapas permanecen como los estados con mayor número de especies, además de ser también los más importantes por el número de especies endémicas. Las obras "Genera et species staphylinorum insectorum coleopterorum familiae" y la "Biologia Centrali-Americana" son consideradas trabajos clave para el desarrollo del conocimiento de los Staphylinidae de México. Este trabajo es una actualización de la diversidad de Staphylinidae en México, tomando como punto de partida la "Guía ilustrada para los géneros de Staphylinidae (Coleoptera) de México".

Ambliopinini beetles (Staphylinidae: Amblyopinina) are unique among staphylinids and unusual among all Coleoptera, because of their apparently obligate association with mammals. Although they were believed to be ectoparasites, the current hypothesis suggests mutualism. Nevertheless the only available research was carried out on two Central American species and it is ignored if all members of Ambliopinini have a relationship of mutual benefit. Here, I describe the relationship between the small rodent Nephelomys albigularis and its Ambliopinina beetle Amblyopinus sanborni in northern Cordillera Central de Colombia. Based on my study, a commensalism is the hypothesis that might explain the relationship between both species.

Las zonas áridas y semiáridas ocupan más de la mitad del territorio de México, sin embargo, son ambientes donde los escarabajos necrófilos han sido escasamente estudiados. En esta investigación se presenta la diversidad y fenología de Scarabaeidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae y Trogidae en el valle de Zapotitlán de las Salinas, Puebla. Se realizaron muestreos mensuales durante un año de abril de 1998 a marzo de 1999 empleando trampas tipo NTP-80 cebadas con calamar, distribuidas en un mezquital y matorral espinoso, en cactáceas columnares y vegetación alterada. Se capturaron 613 individuos de 12 géneros y 15 especies. Staphylinidae tuvo la mayor riqueza (9 especies) y abundancia (74.2%), le siguieron Scarabaeidae (21.9%), Silphidae (2.9%) y Trogidae (1%) con dos especies cada una. La fauna para las dos primeras fue inferior a la observada en otras zonas de México. La máxima abundancia y riqueza estuvieron en la época seca y las comunidades de escarabajos necrófilos prefirieron los sitios con mezquital y matorral, donde permanecieron más tiempo y se registraron todas las especies, por lo tanto los tipos de vegetación presentes fueron el factor más importante que determinó las variaciones locales de abundancia, diversidad y riqueza y no la época de lluvias.

Mexico is constituted of arid and semiarid areas in more than half of its land extension, where most of their resources are available only during the rainy season. For those species that recycle resources, such as the carrion fauna, this represents a highly active season; however, the biological and diversity patterns of carrion fauna are poorly understood in these areas. Here, we studied the abundance, diversity and richness of the Scarabaeidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae and Trogidae families in the Zapotitlán de las Salinas Valley in Puebla, Mexico. Over a one-year period, monthly samples were collected from five different vegetation systems that included the scrublands, a columnar cactus landscape, and altered vegetation. Samples were collected with the use of NTP-80 traps baited with squid, and data on abundance and richness were obtained and evaluated, with respect to monthly precipitation and sampling site location. We collected a total of 613 insects from 12 genera and 15 species. Across systems, Staphylinidae showed the greatest richness (nine species) and abundance (74.2%), followed by Scarabaeidae (21.9%), Silphidae (2.9%) and Trogidae (1%). Significant differences were observed between sites and months; nevertheless, no relationship was observed between abundance and temperature or precipitation. Across taxonomic groups, abundance and richness were most evident for scrub sites, while a greater abundance during the dry season was obtained. The results of this study indicated that the carrion faunal community composition is closely related to the type of vegetation and did not depend on the rainy season. In spite that lesser carrion fauna was observed in this area when compared to other regions of Mexico, this report constitutes a significant contribution to our understanding of the ecological role of this fauna in arid areas.