Temporal patterns and distribution of Coleoptera in the Vedauwoo natural history site

The order Coleoptera is an incredibly diverse group, yet little is known about the beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) of much of Wyoming. The purpose of this study was to understand and survey this diversity of the Vedauwoo Natural History Site. This was done by collecting specimens using various collecting methods including Townes-malaise traps, barrier and baited pitfall traps, Lindgren funnels, and active collecting. Traps were sampled weekly during a three-month (June-August) period across five locations on the property in an order to maximize diversity. The samples collected were sorted and identified to family, resulting in >30 different families of Coleoptera. We used family richness (FC), Simpson Index of Diversity (D−1=DC), and Morisita-Horn Dissimilarity Index (CMHD) in order to determine whether the timing of the collection affected the diversity of beetle families caught. Results from the tests were explored. This study contributes to beginning to understand the diversity of Coleoptera in the Vedauwoo Natural History area and their phenology.