ESTRUTURA DA COMUNIDADE DE Nitidulidae (Coleoptera: Insecta) EM CULTIVOS DE SOJA E MILHO NO SUDOESTE GOIANO

Abstract

The Brazilian Cerrado, especially the southwest region of Goiás, has become an important agricultural frontier for soybean and corn production. However, its intensification has led to significant environmental impacts. In this context, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a sustainable alternative. In areas managed under this system, the occurrence of nitidulid beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) has been observed—a group that is poorly studied in Brazil but potentially relevant from both ecological and phytosanitary perspectives. This study aimed to characterize the Nitidulidae community in soybean-corn succession systems under regenerative agriculture practices. Sampling was conducted using pitfall traps in the municipalities of Rio Verde and Montividiu (GO). Specimens were sorted, identified in the laboratory, and later sent to a specialist for precise identification. A total of 89,649 individuals were recorded, distributed among four species: Colopterus truncatus, Urophorus humeralis, Carpophilus dimidiatus, and Stelidota geminata. In soybean fields, C. truncatus was dominant (94.3%), while in corn fields, S. geminata was most prevalent (52.5%), followed by U. humeralis (25.6%) and C. truncatus (16.5%). C. dimidiatus occurred at low frequency in both crops but was proportionally more represented in corn (5.3%). The species showed detritivorous or herbivorous habits, with reported damage to fruits and stored grains, and also act as vectors of phytopathogens. The findings highlight the need for further research on the ecology and behavior of this group, particularly in sustainably managed systems, to prevent phytosanitary risks and promote agroecosystem balance.