Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in Khvalynsky National Park (Saratov Region, Russia)

Abstract

(1) Background: Coleoptera is one of the most diverse insect lineages. The beetle species live in many ecosystems around the globe and their roles in ecosystems are very diverse; thus, it is important to know the local and regional fauna varieties, especially for protected areas, such as nature reserves and national parks. (2) Methods: The materials were collected from the territory of the Khvalynsky National Park (European Russia, Saratov region), mainly over the last 30 years (1994–2022). The beetles were collected using different means (manual collection; the use soil traps, fermental crown traps, and Malaise traps; light fishing; sweeping with an entomological net on plants and under water, etc.). (3) Results: The dataset presents data on 914 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 67 families found in the Khvalynsky National Park. The number of studied specimens was 7445. Four families (Cerylonidae, Byturidae, Phalacridae, and Sphindidae) and 95 species were recorded for the Khvalynsky National Park for the first time. Thirty-two species were recorded for the Saratov region for the first time. (4) Conclusions: The general biodiversity of Coleoptera in the Khvalynsky National Park includes 1203 species from 71 families.

Keywords

• species diversity
• beetles
• comparison of fauna
• dataset
• Center of European Russia
• Volga Upland