Optimization of pheromone trapping method for click beetles (Agriotes spp.) in Greece

Abstract

Field studies were performed to survey and monitor Agriotes spp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae) click beetles in Greece. A pitfall type trap made of durable plastic and loaded with pheromone lures for different Agriotes species was employed in field sites in 2006 and 2007. The diversity of Agriotes species in arable crops in central Greece seems to be rather limited. The two species trapped in this study, A. rufipalpis and A. litigiosus, had quite different temporal patterns. In both years A. rufipalpis was captured in high numbers, beginning early in the spring and declining progressively later on. In 2006 but not in 2007, there were A. rufipalpis trap captures in early summer. Trap captures for A. litigiosus remained at low levels in both fields and only in mid-summer was there an increase in the number of adult captures. Pheromone dose had a significant effect in trap captures for both species, whereas old baits and new ones were equally attractive. The simple trap used in the present study loaded with the optimal pheromone and dose would be suitable for surveying and monitoring and even mass trapping of click beetles.