COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE FROM THE DRIED URINE OF THE SOUTH ARAL SEA

Аннотация

This study investigates the bioecological characteristics of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the Southern Aral Sea region, specifically within Karakalpakstan, during April–May 2024–2025. Focusing on key species such as Neoplocaederus scapularis (Fischer von Waldheim, 1821) and Aeolesthes sarta (Solsky, 1871), the research examines their distribution, host plant preferences, and ecological adaptations in desert ecosystems. Fieldwork employed traditional entomological methods, including Barber soil traps and light traps, to collect specimens across the Taxtakópir district and Kyzylkum desert. Results highlight the critical role of environmental factors—temperature, humidity, and host plant availability—in shaping beetle populations. Ferula assa-foetida emerged as a primary host plant, with peak beetle activity coinciding with its flowering period. Anthropogenic factors, such as pesticide use, were found to influence beetle populations, raising concerns about biodiversity conservation. High-quality photographs of rare species, including 218 «EKOLOGIYA VA ATROF MUHIT MUHOFAZASI MUAMMOLARI VA ULARNING INNOVATSION YECHIMLARI» mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy konferensiya Xylotrechus ibex (Gebler, 1825), and detailed habitat descriptions enhance the study’s contribution to regional entomological knowledge. These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to preserve insect biodiversity in the Southern Aral Sea region. Keywords: Karakalpakstan, longhorn beetles, Neoplocaederus scapularis, Aeolesthes sarta, Ferula assa-foetida, ecological factors, entomological research, biodiversity conservation, Southern Aral Sea. Introduction Longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are a diverse family with over 35,000 species globally, playing vital roles in ecosystems through wood decomposition and as prey for predators. In the Southern Aral Sea region, particularly Karakalpakstan, their ecological and economic significance is pronounced due to their interactions with native flora and anthropogenic pressures. The region’s arid climate, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and low humidity, provides a unique setting to study insect adaptations. Despite their ecological importance, data on Cerambycidae in this region remain scarce, with prior studies focusing on broader Central Asian contexts. This study aims to address knowledge gaps regarding the diversity, ecology, and distribution of longhorn beetles in Karakalpakstan, with fieldwork conducted in April– May 2024–2025. By focusing on species such as Neoplocaederus scapularis and Aeolestes sarta, we explore their life cycles, host plant associations, and responses to environmental and anthropogenic factors. The research also documents rare species, such as Xylotrechus ibex, and their habitats, contributing to the global understanding of Cerambycidae ecology in arid environments. Materials and Methods Field research was conducted in the desert ecosystems of Karakalpakstan, specifically the Taxtakópir district and Kyzylkum desert, from April to May in 2024 and 2025. Sampling targeted key Cerambycidae species, including Neoplocaederus scapularis, Aeolesthes sarta, and Xylotrechus spp. The following methods were employed: 1. Barber Soil Traps: Glass containers (0.5 L and 0.25 L, 72–73 mm and 55 mm diameter, respectively) were buried level with the soil surface, filled with ethyl acetate as a fixative. Traps were arranged in rows (10–70 traps per site, 10 m apart) across various biotopes. 219 «EKOLOGIYA VA ATROF MUHIT MUHOFAZASI MUAMMOLARI VA ULARNING INNOVATSION YECHIMLARI» mavzusidagi xalqaro ilmiy-amaliy konferensiya 2. Light Traps: Following Sakharova’s method (2012), light traps were used to capture nocturnal and crepuscular species, particularly Neoplocaederus scapularis. 3. Specimen Imaging: Collected specimens were photographed using a Canon PowerShot A640 camera (Canon Zoom lens 4X, 7.3–29.2 mm, 1:2.8–4.1) and a Micro med MC-2-ZOOM microscope. Images were processed with Adobe Photoshop 7.0. 4. Species Identification: Taxonomic identification relied on international databases, including the Titan database (Tavakilian, 2023), Lamiines of the World (Tavakilian & Chevillotte, 2023), and the Catalogue of Palaearctic Chrysomeloidea (Danilevsky, 2023). A detailed map of sampling sites, including habitat types and trap locations, was created to contextualize the fieldwork (Figure 1). Coordinates of key collection sites, such as Lake Karateren (43°19.058′N, 060°22.542′E), were recorded. Results The study documented several Cerambycidae species, with Neoplocaederus scapularis and Aeolesthes sarta being the most prevalent. These species exhibited strong associations with Ferula assa-foetida, a dominant plant in the region’s desert ecosystems. Neoplocaederus scapularis (Fischer von Waldheim, 1821) This species was abundant in the Taxtakópir district and Kyzylkum desert, particularly during the flowering of Ferula assa-