Diversidad de Crisomélidos1 en el Desierto Chihuahuense Mexicano

Abstract

The Chihuahuan Desert is one of the largest and most important arid zones in North America with great richness of species and number of endemisms, Despite this, study of various groups such as insects is still very scarce. In this research, diversity of chrysomelids in areas of Chihuahua and Durango that make up the Mexican Chihuahuan Desert was evaluated. In total, 765 specimens were collected, belonging to 55 species, 34 genera, nine tribes, and six subfamilies. Alpha diversity values reflected greater diversity of species in the State of Durango, with Galerucinae being the subfamily with the greatest richness and abundance (20 species, 331 individuals). Similarly, NMDS analysis showed differential ordering in chrysomelid communities studied with 16 species exclusive to Chihuahua and 23 to Durango. This study is one of the first reports of diversity of chrysomelids in the Mexican Chihuahuan Desert.