Distribution, plant associations, seasonal and altitudinal distribution of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) in Kırklareli province, Türkiye

This study was conducted in the Babaeski, Central, Lüleburgaz, and Vize districts of Kırklareli province during 2021-2022 to determine the identification, distribution, and important habitat associations of the Coccinellidae fauna. As a result of the study, 28 species belonging to 18 genera of the Coccinellidae family were identified. Seventeen of these species were recorded for the first time in Kırklareli. Among the recorded species, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773) and Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus, 1758) were determined to be the most abundant and widespread species. Non-agricultural areas had higher values than production areas in terms of species diversity and abundance. H. axyridis was found to be more dominant than other species in terms of number of occurrences, distribution, number of different plants found on, and seasonal and altitudinal distribution, which was noteworthy due to the invasive nature of the species. Henosepilachna argus (Geoffroy, 1785) was the only phytophagous species recorded. The findings obtained are the first comprehensive data for the province of Kırklareli and provide baseline information for future ecology studies and plant protection programs.