Ecological‐faunistic and zoogeographic characteristics of weevils of the tribe Baridini Schoencherr, 1836 of Dagestan

Abstract

Aim . To carry out an ecological and faunistic review of weevils of the tribe Baridini Schoencherr, 1836 of Dagestan; study of the ecology and chorology of the most harmful species, the green rutabaga baride ( Aulacobaris coerulescens Scop.). Material and Methods . The work was based on observations and materials obtained in 1996‐2020 in various regions of Dagestan, using classical methods of field study of invertebrates. Collection materials and data from different authors for the period from 1872 to 2010 were also used. Stationary studies of the ecology of Aulacobaris coerulescens Scopoli, 1763 were conducted on the basis of agricultural cooperatives and peasant farms of Buynaksky, Levashinsky, Akushinsky and Gergebilsky districts of Dagestan. Results . Studies have shown that the fauna of the tribe Baridini in Dagestan is represented by 26 species from 8 genera. In zoogeographic terms, it is composed of 7 complexes with the main core being formed by steppe species. In the altitudinal range, the fauna of lowland Dagestan is the richest, where 20 species live. Trophic specialization is dominated by broad oligophages; the main food base is the Brassicaceae family. The most important agricultural species and dangerous pest of cabbage in Dagestan is the green rutabaga baride ( Aulacobaris coerulescens Scopoli, 1763). The features of its ecology and distribution were studied and a phenological table and a map of the range were compiled. Conclusion . The fauna of the Baridini tribe of Dagestan is rich and varied. It is represented by various zoogeographical and ecological complexes in all altitudinal zones of Dagestan. Phenological data and a distribution map of rutabaga baride can be used to optimize control measures and minimize impacts on ecosystems.