Anthophilous beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) of dandelion cenopopulations (Taraxacum officinale) during its “spring” flowering period in the Yaroslavl Region

Abstract

The beetle community (Coleoptera) on the flowers of the dandelion Taraxacum officinale (Yaroslavl Region, Borok vill.) during its “spring” flowering (05/17/2022 – 06/14/2022) is represented by 28 species from 13 families. The community has a pronounced anthophilic aspect and includes mainly pollinophages and nectarophages (Elateridae, Nitidulidae, Byturidae, Phalacridae, and Oedemeridae). Two species of beetles, Olibrusbicolor and Glocianus punctiger, develop on the dandelion. During the peak of the “spring” flowering of the dandelion, the community of flower – visiting beetles ) is polydominantic, and included species that feed on dandelions after wintering (Kateretidae, Nitidulidae, some Chrysomelidae, etc.). At the end of the flowering of Taraxacum officinale, the species diversity of adult beetles decreases and is almost completely (by number) replaced by the specimens of summer species Byturus ochraceus, which becomes superdominant (76.74–99.77%).