The population fluctuation of Coleoptera in poultry house "Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça" in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is investigated. Six collection methods were utilized: 1 (0 to 7 day-old chicken feces); 2 (7 to 14 day-old feces); 3 (14 to 21 day-old feces); 4 (0 to 21 day-old feces), 5 (accumulated feces); and 6 (tube trap). An analysis of polynomial regression was accomplished independently of the collection methods. The survey was conducted from August 1998 to July 1999. A total of 12,449 Coleoptera were collected, represented by the following species: Carcinops troglodytes (Paykull, 1811) (Histeridae) (6,444); Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer, 1797) (Tenebrionidae) (2,896); Somotrichus unifasciatus (Dejean, 1792) (Carabidae) (1,190); Gnathocerus cornutus (Fabricius, 1798) (Tenebrionidae) (947); Euxestus sp. (Cerylonidae) (394); Euspilotus rubriculus (Marseul, 1855) (Histeridae) (213); Ontholestes sp. (Staphylinidae) (190); Dactylosternum sp. (Hydrophilidae) (93); Mezium americanum (Laporte, 1840) (Ptinidae) (43); Palorus subdepressus (Wollaston, 1864) (Tenebrionidae) (27); Tenebroides mauritanicus (L., 1758) (Trogossitidae) (8); Xyleborus ferrugineus (Fabricius, 1801) (Scolytidae) (1); and unidentified specimens of Dermestidae (3). The highest number of species was collected during March and July, and the smallest in September. The highest abundance was recorded in March (2,159), while the lowest index of capture was noted in October (633). The population fluctuation was estimated for C. troglodytes, A. diaperinus, S. unifasciatus, G. cornutus, Euxestus sp., E. rubriculus, Ontholestes sp. and Dactylosternum sp.
Coleoptera; population fluctuation; poultry house
