ARADIDAE (HEMIPTERA: HETEROPTERA) EMERGENT FROM COARSE AND FINE WOODY DEBRIS IN LOUISIANA

Deadwood is a heterogenous, globally important habitat associated with high biodiversity. Surveys and inventories are important to discover which species require what deadwood resources. In the Tunica Hills region of Louisiana an emergence study designed for Coleoptera was conducted using various decay classes of fine and coarse woody debris collected in least-disturbed (Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area) and secondary (Feliciana Preserve) forests. Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) bycatch totaled 258 specimens representing six species. Aradid communities did not differ significantly between the two forests. Neuroctenus pseudonymus Bergroth was significantly associated with weathered fine woody debris whereas Aradus ornatus Say was significantly associated with both coarse woody debris decay class 2 and weathered fine woody debris. A serendipitous collection of Aradus duzeei Bergroth from the exterior of an emergence chamber represents a new state record. Emergence, while time consuming, is a viable way to augment Aradidae surveys and discover habitat preferences.

Automated summary

Deadwood is a globally important habitat with high biodiversity. Surveys and inventories are essential to identify which species require specific deadwood resources. A study conducted in the Tunica Hills region of Louisiana examined the emergence of Coleoptera using different decay classes of woody debris. The results showed that different species of Aradidae had preferences for specific types of decayed wood. The study also discovered a new state record for Aradus duzeei Bergroth. The emergence method was found to be a viable way to augment surveys and study habitat preferences of Aradidae.