PRELIMINARY STUDY OF SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF BEETLES (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN DU GIA COMMUNE, DU GIA NATIONAL PARK - DONG VAN KARST PLATEAU, TUYEN QUANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This study investigated the species composition and distribution of beetles across three habitats in Du Gia commune, located within Du Gia National Park - Dong Van Karst Plateau, Tuyen Quang Province. The study employed a direct survey of beetles across three habitats, conducted over three sampling periods. A total of 39 beetle species, belonging to 10 families and 33 genera, were recorded. The family Coccinellidae contained the highest number of taxa, with 13 species (33.33%) and 10 genera (30.30%). Three families, Phalacridae, Ptinidae, and Scarabaeidae, had the lowest number, each with one species (2.56%) and one genus (3.03%). The distribution of beetle species varied among habitats. The natural forest habitat supported the highest diversity, with 38 species (97.45%) recorded; followed by the grassland and shrub habitat on the mountainside with 34 species (87.18%); and the agricultural land and fruit tree habitat with 24 species (61.52%). The composition of beetle species also varied across survey phases. Phase 1 (October 2024) yielded the highest species richness, with 39 species recorded (100%); Phase 2 (January 2025) with 21 species (53.85%); and Phase 3 (March 2025) with 35 species (89.74%).