Population Density of the Sap Beetle (Nitidulidae) Associated with
Date Palm Trees in Coastal Regions of Libya.

• Najla; M. Z(1), H. M Kerra (1). E. A Edongali(1), O. S Abogila(2)
• (1)Plant Protection Dept. University of AL.Fatah
• (2)Plant Protection Dept. University of Omar Almoktar , Email: kerra50@hotmail.com
• The Third International Conference onIPM Role in Integrated Crop management and Impacts on Environment and Agricultural Products. 26-29 November 2005, Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine population density for sap beetles of the family Nitidulidae, associated with date palm trees in two coastal locations, (Garaboli and Zawia) during the year 2002-2003. Food bait traps made locally were used to attract beetles, four traps were hanged in each field. Results showed that sap beetles are present all year round in date palm groves in the two locations studied. A total number 4531 beetles, were caught in Garaboli and 34234 beetles catched in the two locations in Zawia regions. Study of population densities showed that the most common beetle, is the Carpophilus hemipterus, followed by C. dimidiatus, and Urophorus humeralis, and Epuraea luteoulus another four different beetles were recorded for the first time in Libya and these include C. obsoletus, C.freemani, C.mutilatus,and E. luteoulus. Results also showed that Carpophilus hemipterus had three generations/year in Garaboli and two generations in Zawia region, while Urophorus humeralis had two generations in Zawia and Garaboli, Epuraea luteoulus had four generations in Garaboli and three generations in Zawia. Food bait traps locally made had a great effects on attraction and control of the sap beetles.