Ecological Characterization of White Grubs (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) Community in Cultivated and Noncultivated Fields

Abstract

Comparative studies on the density and diversity of white grubs community (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) occurring in cultivated and noncultivated fields of the Planalto region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are presented. Sampling was carried out in 23 municipalities during the 2009 and 2010 winter seasons. Cultivated and noncultivated fields were chosen in each locality. Melolontid larvae were collected for identification and counted to determine the population density. A mean of 12.9 larvae m⁻² were collected in cultivated areas against 10.5 larvae m⁻² in noncultivated areas. The latter were more diverse (H′ = 2.52) than cultivated areas (H′ = 2.26). Despite the high evenness index (J = 0.75 noncultivated and J = 0.74 cultivated), faunistic parameters indicated Cyclocephala flavipennis Arrow and Diloboderus abderus Sturm as an extremely dominant species in cultivated areas. These results showed that the population density of white grubs increases, and their community composition is affected in cultivated areas.