IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TUMBLING FLOWER BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: MORDELLIDAE) OF THE FAUNA OF BELARUS

Abstract

It is now becoming clear that climate change is having a significant impact on the fauna of tumbling flower beetles of Belarus. However, the available data are still sparse, and this problem requires further targeted research. An expansion of Mordellistena connata Ermisch, 1969 and M. koelleri Ermisch, 1956 across the territory of Belarus in a northern direction were revealed. Anthemis tinctoria L. is recorded for the first time as a host plant for the larvae of Mordellistena brunneispinosa Ermisch, 1963. Phalacroloma septentrionale (Fern. et Wieg.) Tzvel. is recorded for the first time as a host plant for the larvae of M. connata. It was suggested that climate change leads to an increase in the number of plants in which larvae of tumbling flower beetles develop in Belarus. A shift in the timing of the flight period of Natirrica variegata (Fabricius, 1798), N. humeralis (Linnaeus, 1758) and N. rufifrons (Schilsky, 1894) adults was observed in 2025 at a permanent observation point for tumbling flower beetles located near the city of Baranovichi (Brest Region). It was found that when day air temperature reaches 33 °C Variimorda briantea (Comolli, 1837) adults decrease their activity, despite the fact that they prefer well-lit and warmed microstations. New instances of visiting extrafloral nectaries of Sambucus racemosa Linnaeus by tumbling flower beetles were revealed. Adults of Mordella holomelaena Apfelbeck, 1914 and Variimorda villosa (Schrank, 1781) were found on such nectaries. It is assumed that climate change may increase the frequency of use of extrafloral nectaries of this plant by tumbling flower beetles. Additional data on microstationary ecological dispersion at the level of Mordellidae are given.