Distribution of Aquatic Insects in Freshwater Areas in Antalya and Mersin Provinces (Türkiye)

Abstract

Researchers have recently conducted faunistic research on aquatic insect families. But, we must find and track the animals in these waters. They are shrinking due to global warming. Also, from the expansion of farms and pesticides used in these areas. In this framework, we evaluated aquatic Coleoptera and Hemiptera species. We collected them in the Mediterranean coastal regions. We collected them from the freshwater areas of Antalya and Mersin provinces. We collected them in October, May, and July between 2022 and 2023. Researchers collected 2784 insects in the study area. 99 were Hemiptera (Corixiidae, Hydrometridae, Pleidae, Gerridae and Notonectidae). 2685 were Coleoptera. They were from the Dryopidae, Dytiscidae, Helophoridae, Heteroceridae, Hydranidae, Hydrophilidae, Hydrochidae, Haliplidae, Noteridae, and Spercheidae families. So far, we have only identified the collected specimens at the family level. We caught many Hydrophiliade and Corixiidae beetles and bugs. We caught them in large numbers, one family at a time. But, we caught very few Spercheidae and Pleidae. We caught almost none compared to previous places. Also, the maps show insect distributions. Greenhouse farming, which uses pesticides, is near rivers, streams, and so on. Researchers find few insect samples near the coast and in the lower parts of greenhouses. This is due to the use of water for farming. This study mapped aquatic insects in the research area for the first time. In conclusion, Türkiye's aquatic insects need more studies. These studies should cover all provinces. This is necessary for the insects to detect their existence. Moreover, it must continue.