Diversity and community composition of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in forest patches of Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

Click beetles (Family Elateridae) are among the most diverse groups within the Elateroidea superfamily of beetles. These insects are often used as indicators of ecosystem diversity, as their presence reflects environmental health. Moreover, many beetle species also depend on forests for survival, highlighting their interconnected relationship with the ecosystem. In this context, this study surveyed click beetles in various forest patches in Iligan City using Malaise traps and active collection methods. Over six months of collection, 27 individuals representing 13 morphospecies and eight subfamilies were documented. Species richness and diversity were highest in Sikyop (H′=1.67; D′=0.76; J′=0.86), followed by Tinago (H′=1.32), while the most abundant species include Melanotus sp., Cryptalaus sp., Csikia sp., and Agrypnus species. However, most identifications remain provisional due to distinct morphological traits among taxa and require molecular confirmation. These findings offer preliminary insight into species composition and local diversity, providing baseline data that is imperative for inventory, ecological studies, and future management strategies, as well as valuable information for local communities.