Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) as Bioindicators of Biodiversity and Predators of Insect Pests

This family Carabidae is diverse and abundant in agroecosystems and beetles stand out as natural enemies of other insects, considered pests of crops and forestry plantations. Carabids have been used as indicators in environmental pollution assessments, habitat classification for ecological conservation, soil characterization concerning nutrients, and biodiversity indicators. Carabids have also been suggested for indicators in biodiversity survey programs because they present great morphological and behavioral variability and are sensitive to environmental changes. This survey aimed to identify species that can be used as bioindicators and obtain data on their population dynamics that can be correlated with evaluating success in reforestation programs. The predatory attributes of several species of carabids have been used and studied in agricultural habitats with different approaches. This study aims to describe the importance of Carabidae as functionally important bioindicators in ecosystems, in environmental conservation, as indicators of biodiversity, in the ability of this group to absorb metals, and as predators in the biological control of insect pests for agriculture. Concerned with establishing a public profile of quality research in the area, we sought to answer these questions based on a literature review in the main journals in the area national and international classified by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). Complement this analysis with other documents such as books, chapters, documents, and digital platforms.