First survey of darkling beetles (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) of Talassemtane National Park, Western Rif, Morocco

Abstract

To contribute to the knowledge of beetles (Coleoptera) of the mountainous region of Morocco, Talassemtane National Park (Western Rif, Chefchaouen district, Morocco) was surveyed. This is an exceptional protected area of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve (RIBM). The inventory was made using different traps combined with active searching periodically during 2013 and 2014. Among numerous species belonging to various families, the darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) represent one of the major groups, in terms of diversity and heritage value. Thirty five species were identified, two species are new records to Morocco, and two other species, which were hitherto only known by the type specimens, have been rediscovered.