ECOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF TENEBRIONIDAE (COLEOPTERA) IN THE CENTRAL KYZYLKUM DESERT

Abstract

This study examines the ecological structure of Tenebrionidae (Coleoptera) in the Central Kyzylkum Desert based on field surveys conducted from 2023 to 2025. Sampling was carried out in different desert habitats, including sandy dunes, saline soils, gravel plains, and semi-desert areas of Uzbekistan.

Collected specimens were classified into three ecological groups: xerophilous, eurybiont, and mesoxerophilous species. The results show that xerophilous species are dominant in the studied area. These species are adapted to arid environmental conditions. Eurybiont species are subdominant and occur in different habitats. Mesoxerophilous species are rare and restricted to humid microhabitats.

The results indicate that environmental aridity is the main factor influencing the ecological structure of Tenebrionidae in the Central Kyzylkum Desert.