Diversity and Distribution of Coccinellidae Species in the Karacadağ Region of Türkiye

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and examine species of the Coccinellidae family in the Karacadağ region (Diyarbakır-Şanlıurfa), Türkiye. The research took place between April-October 2023 and April-June 2024. Sampling was carried out at randomly selected points in various habitats including agricultural areas, forests, meadows, and non-agricultural lands such as rocky areas and fields with weeds. The sampling of Coccinellid species was conducted using hand nets, hand collection, and beating sheets (Japanese umbrellas). Collected specimens were preserved under suitable conditions and transported to the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection at Siirt University for morphological examination. Species identification was conducted using stereo microscopes, and photographs were taken. A total of 281 samples were collected, representing 12 species belonging to 10 genera: Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus), Oenopia conglobata (Linnaeus), Hippodamia variegata (Goeze), Adalia decempunctata (Linnaeus), Adalia bipunctata (Linnaeus), Propylea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus), Pharoscymnus pharoides (Marseul), Stethorus punctillum (Weise), Nephus nigricans (Weise), Hyperaspis quadrimaculata (Redtenbacher), Hyperaspis spp., Exochomus nigromaculatus (Goeze). The most commonly found species were C. septempunctata (113 individuals), H. variegata (80 individuals), and A. decempunctata (31 individuals). This research contributes to understanding the richness and distribution of Coccinellidae species in the region, serving as a crucial starting point for future ecological and plant protection studies.