WHEN TO SAMPLE GROUND BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: CARABIDAE) IN THE NEOTROPICS FOR BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENTS? A CASE STUDY IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON.

Temporal and spatial variation in Ground beetles diversity was described for neotropical ecosystems. The present study evaluated the seasonal patterns of Ground beetles assemblages within habitats in the Brazilian Amazon, to determine the most appropriate time-window to undertake significant ecological sampling. The study area comprised the most representative habitats such as primary and secondary forests, agriculture and pastures for livestock. Pronounced differences in richness and abundance of Ground beetles assemblages between seasons and habitats were noticed. The abundance and richness were significantly higher in the rainy season, and this pattern was related for all habitats. Our results show that when logistical constrains prevent multiple sampling, the most appropriate season to monitor Ground beetles communities in the scope of ecological status assessments is during the rainy season. On the other hand, we also highlight the importance of sampling different seasons if the study objective is a full community characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]