Analysis of the population dynamics and meteorological driving factors of the main scarab beetle species in honeysuckle fields, in Nanyang, Henan Province
Author of the article:CHEN Pei-Yu1** CAO Shuang1 YIN Zhi-Gang1 ZHOU Xiao-Jing1 ZHU Xiao-Hong2 TIAN Cai-Hong3 MIAO Jin3***
Author's Workplace：1. Henan Funiushan Genuine Traditional Chinese Medicine Development Engineering Research Center, Nanyang Academy of Sciences, Nanyang 473038, China; 2. Nanyang Meteorological Service, Nanyang 473001, China; 3. Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control, Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
Key Words：Lonicera japonica; scarab beetles; population dynamics; DNA barcoding; meteorological factors; integrated pest management
Abstract：[Aim] To clarify the community structure, dominant species, and population dynamics of scarab beetles in honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) fields in Nanyang, Henan Province, and to investigate the influence of key meteorological factors on the population dynamics of major species, thereby providing a scientific basis for the precise monitoring and environmentally-friendly control of scarab beetles in this region. [Methods] From 2021 to 2023, systematic monitoring was conducted in the main honeysuckle-producing area of Nanyang using frequency‑vibrating, insecticidal lamps. Species identification was performed based on morphological characteristics and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COⅠ) gene sequences. Community structure was analyzed using the relative abundance index, and the relationship between population dynamics and meteorological factors was examined using Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression. [Results] A total of five scarab beetle species belonging to three genera and three families were identified. Among these, Holotrichia parallela and A. corpulenta were the dominant species, with relative abundances of 62.04%-65.01% and 28.99%-29.59%, respectively. A. antiqua was a common species. The peak occurrence periods of adults of the three main scarab beetle species overlapped from late June to mid-July, with the most concentrated period of peak daily abundance occurring from June 28 to July 3. Interspecific differences were observed in the effects of meteorological factors on the population dynamics of each species. Captures of A. corpulenta were significantly influenced by the 10-day mean temperature (Y = ﹣507.803 + 33.721X, P = 0.001) and showed a stable positive correlation with temperature (r up to 0.992). Captures of H. parallela were also significantly correlated with the 10-day mean minimum temperature (Y = ﹣984.381 + 86.190X, P < 0.001), however, its responses to precipitation and sunshine duration varied considerably among years. Captures of A. antiqua was positively correlated with minimum temperature and relative humidity (r up to 0.945 and 0.786, respectively) and negatively correlated with sunshine duration. The peak damage period of scarab beetles coincided with the second and third growth flushes of honeysuckle, but not with the harvest period of the first flush (May), which determines the annual yield. [Conclusion] H. parallela and A. corpulenta are the dominant scarab beetle species in honeysuckle fields in Nanyang, Henan Province. The population dynamics of the three major species, and interspecific differences in their meteorological response patterns were elucidated. Based on the crop-pest phenological matching relationship, a precise control strategy, targeting two key control windows; the initial adult occurrence period (late March to April) and the period after the harvest of the first flush (from late May onward), is proposed. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the prediction, forecasting, and species-specific management, of scarab beetles in honeysuckle fields in this region.