SPECIES COMPOSITION AND EMERGENCE PATTERNS OF CLICK BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: ELATERIDAE, AGRIOTES) IN CENTRAL ITALY

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.) are major agricultural pests whose larvae, known as wireworms, cause significant damage to a wide range of crops. Understanding their population dynamics and emergence patterns is crucial for effective pest management. This study investigated the species composition, abundance, and phenology of Agriotes species in central Italy, focusing on the Marche region. Field monitoring was conducted in six sites using pheromone traps for adults and bait traps for larvae. The results con-firmed the presence of A. litigiosus, A. brevis, and A. sordidus, with A. litigiosus being the most abundant species. Adult emergence patterns varied among species, with A. brevis emerging first, followed by A. sordidus and A. litigiosus. The findings highlight the importance of species-specific monitoring to optimize pest control strategies. A deeper understanding of the flight dynamics and life cycles of Agriotes species can support the implementation of more effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, reducing reliance on chemicals and reducing crop damage