Phytophagous beetles (Coleoptera) occurring on blueberry shrubs (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) on plantations in the environs of LublinChrząszcze fitofagiczne (Coleoptera) zasiedlające krzewy borówki wysokiej (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) na plantacjach w okolicy Lublina

Abstract

Summary Observations on the occurrence of phytophagous beetles were carried out in 2003–2006 on two blueberry plantations in the areas surrounding Lublin: Palikije and Niemce. Throughout the growing season, at 10‐day intervals, the insects were collected from 30 bushes on each plantation, using a sweep net. Phytophagous species represented over 50% of all collected beetles. In general, 1980 phytophagous beetles, belonging to 9 superfamilies and 17 families, were collected. The largest number of species was recorded for the families of leaf beetle (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionidae) (respectively, 36 and 33). The greatest number of species belonged to the beetles associated with herbaceous plants (62%). Among the species associated with trees and shrubs there were beetles of the genus Otiorhynchus and Polydrusus which may become potential pests of blueberry. The dynamics of occurrence of beetles, in all studied locations, was different for each family.