Fauna of chrysomelid beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) along an elevational gradient at Mount Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

A study was conducted on the diversity and abundance of leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) along an elevational range from 400 m to 1,200 m in Mount Fraser, Pahang, Malaysia. Sampling was done during December 2014 until March 2015. In total, 714 individuals were successfully collected representing nine subfamilies and 85 species (25 identifiable + 60 morphospecies). Collections took place over three elevational ranges: low (400–500 m), middle (750–850 m) and peak (1,000–1,250 m). The highest abundance of Chrysomelidae was recorded in the low range, with 257 individuals from eight subfamilies collected; the middle range had the lowest abundance with only 217 individuals from seven subfamilies. An accumulation curve showed that the altitude range 400−500 m had probably reached its asymptote. The Galerucinae comprised the highest abundance of individuals sampled (354) whereas the Criocerinae has the lowest abundance with only seven individuals recorded. The Shannon Weiner diversity index and Simpson’s diversity index were highest in the low altitude range (3.504 and 0.9527, respectively) and lowest at the peak (2.762 and 0.8552, respectively). Diversity of chrysomelids was significantly different (p < 0.05) for each elevational range. Species overlap was highest (98%) between the middle and peak ranges. The Galerucinae was the most abundant subfamily with 37 species (20 identifiable + 17 morphospecies) within 13 genera. The genus Monolepta had the highest abundance with 81 individuals comprising 17 species (10 identifiable + 7 morphospecies).