G. it. Ent., 5 (27): 209-218
April 30, 1991
Los escarabajos fitófagos, un ejemplo de la riqueza biótica
de Mesoamérica
(Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)
por
MIGUEL-ANGEL MORÓN
Abstract - The herbivorous Scarabaeoidea, an example of the biotic richness of Middle America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) - To date, 4,415 species of Melolonthidae have been described from America, of which almost 800 inhabiting in Middle America and for a half considered endemic, mainly those from the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala and from the tropical deciduous forests of the Pacific slope. Between 1975 and 1990, faunistic studies have been conducted on these beetles in 12 representative zones of Mexico, recording more than 320 species previously cited, and describing two genera and 48 species new to Science. Six of these studies were carried out in protected areas, as Biosphere's Reserves or Biological Stations, in Veracruz, Chiapas, Durango, Quintana Roo and Jalisco states. The remainder six studies were realized in several disturbed areas situated in Aguascalientes, Estado de México, Guerrero, Hidalgo and Oaxaca states. Unfortunately, the zones with the highest generic and specific diversity are unprotected (Acahuizotla in Guerrero, the Northern Mountain Range of Hidalgo), they are too small (Los Tuxtlas in Veracruz), or threatened by massive deforestation (Boca del Chajul in Chiapas). The necessity to study other zones of northern and central Mexico is emphasized, as well as the urgency to protect the constrained areas of the Mountain Cloud Forest, where endemisms are abundant. A list of 40 species of Melolonthidae endangered with extinction in Mexico is presented. Finally, the possibility of using these beetles as bioindicators during the programs of ecological monitoring is considered, and the potential of 120 species susceptible to become rationally useful combined with other elements of the regional biota is commented.
