Taxonomic Diversity, Habitat Associations, and Seasonal Variation of Beetles (Coleoptera) in Tehsil Darband, District Mansehra

Abstract

The present study investigated the taxonomic diversity, habitat associations, and seasonal variation of beetles (Coleoptera) in Tehsil Darband, District Mansehra, from July 2025 to March 2026. A total of 80 beetle specimens were collected from different habitats using pitfall traps, light traps, net sweeping, plant beating, and hand-picking. Specimens were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol or by dry pinning and identified morphologically up to family and subfamily levels using standard taxonomic keys and published literature. Seven beetle families were recorded, namely Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae, Meloidae, Geotrupidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabidae, and Carabidae, comprising 13 subfamilies. Chrysomelidae was the most abundant family with 26 individuals (32.5%), followed by Carabidae with 23 individuals (28.5%) and Scarabidae with 13 individuals (16.25%). Geotrupidae was the least abundant family, represented by one individual (1.25%). The agricultural habitat contributed the highest proportion of beetle captures (38.75%), followed by river-side habitats (32.5%), residential areas (17.5%), and woodland habitats (11.25%). Seasonal variation was pronounced, with the highest number of beetles recorded in July (31), followed by February (22) and September (20), whereas no specimens were recorded in December and January. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was 1.59, while Shannon evenness was 0.82. The study indicates a moderately diverse beetle community in the study area and provides a reference dataset for future comparative studies.