Seasonal Abundance and the Effect of Light Trap Height on the Captures of the Vesicating Beetles of the Genus Paederus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Brazil

ABSTRACT: To determine the seasonal abundance of the medically important rove beetles of the genus Paederus in northeastern Brazil and the influence of trap height on trapping efficiency, the insects were collected one night per week during 2015 in blacklight traps set at three different heights (0 m, 3 m, 6 m) in urban and periurban areas of northeastern Brazil. A total of 255 specimens of Paederus species were collected, mostly during June followed by July, showing one peak of abundance. Trap height had a significant effect on overall trap catch, with more caught in the traps hung at 6 m than the other heights. These findings demonstrate that trap height must be considered in developing a trap system for monitoring Paederus. People must be aware of the phototaxis of Paederus and avoid being beneath or beside light sources at the peak periods of abundance of these beetles.