Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) Emergent from Coarse and Fine Woody Debris in Louisiana

Abstract

Abstract. Deadwood is a heterogenous, globally important habitat associated with high biodiversity. Surveys and inventories are important to discover which species require what deadwood resources. In the Tunica Hills region of Louisiana an emergence study designed for Coleoptera was conducted using various decay classes of fine and coarse woody debris collected in least-disturbed (Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area) and secondary (Feliciana Preserve) forests. Aradidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) bycatch totaled 258 specimens representing six species. Aradid communities did not differ significantly between the two forests. Neuroctenus pseudonymus Bergroth was significantly associated with weathered fine woody debris whereas Aradus ornatus Say was significantly associated with both coarse woody debris decay class 2 and weathered fine woody debris. A serendipitous collection of Aradus duzeei Bergroth from the exterior of an emergence chamber represents a new state record. Emergence, while time consuming, is a viable way to augment Aradidae surveys and discover habitat preferences.