Bark and ambrosia beetle communities (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Platypodinae) across five mangrove forests in South Africa

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Mangrove forests are of fundamental significance that support a diverse array of species, but despite their importance and the benefits they provide, the health of these trees is under constant threat. This is due to a variety of environmental and human factors, which lead to their weakening and susceptibility to colonization by insect pests. Although the diversity of bark and ambrosia beetles has been well documented worldwide, there is limited information available regarding their relationships with mangroves. To investigate the diversity and distribution of ambrosia and bark beetles associated with mangrove habitats in South Africa, extensive field surveys and species sampling across various mangrove sites were carried out, as well as Lindgren and Panel traps were installed along five estuaries in KwaZulu–Natal and one in the Eastern Cape Province, from October to December 2013 and January to February 2014. RESULTS : A total of 8677 individuals comprising 11 genera and 16 species of ambrosia and bark beetles were captured. Of these, the most abundant was Hypothenemus eruditus (n = 2178; 25.10%), followed by Ambrosiodmus natalensis (n = 863; 10.36%), Xyleborus affinis (n = 844; 9,73%) and Premnobius cavipennis (n = 833; 9,60%), respectively. The remaining species registered an incidence lower than 7%. From the analysis of representativeness by rarefaction curves, there was no trend toward an increase in species as the number of trajectories increased. CONCLUSIONS : This research contributes to understanding the biodiversity of ambrosia and bark beetle assemblages within South African mangrove ecosystems and underscores the importance of conserving these habitats in the face of environmental and anthropogenic pressures. The findings provide a valuable baseline for future studies and management strategies aimed at preserving mangrove health and monitoring beetle community dynamics in these critical coastal environments.