An updated checklist of scarabaeoid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) of Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

An updated checklist of 61 species of Scarabaeoid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) belonging to 30 genera, 19 tribes and 7 subfamilies under 3 families (Geotrupidae, Hybosoridae and Scarabaeidae) from Pench Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh, India) is provided for the first time. The details of specimens examined and distribution of the recorded species in India and abroad are provided which is further supplemented with the illustrations of 54 species. The study reports 22 species as new records for the tiger reserve. Out of the total species, Delopleurus parvus and Onthophagus coeruleicollis (Scarabaeinae) have been recorded for the first time from the state of Madhya Pradesh. The present study is not only a faunistic report but also an illustrated field guide for the identification of the Scarabaeoid beetles occurring in the tiger reserve which will help in conservation planning, protected area justification and design and development of management plans.