Beetles Diversity in Two Urban Ecosystems in Sibiu (Romania): Dumbrava Sibiului Forest and Sub Arini Park<b></b>

This study presents findings over three years of research into beetle diversity in two urban ecosystems in Sibiu, Central Romania: The Sub Arini Park (referred to after as Arini) (semi-anthropic) over 150 years old within the city, and the Dumbrava Sibiului Nature Reserve (referred to after as Dumbrava) (oak forest) over 170 years old on the city outskirts. Ground-trapping coleopteran collection in both locations (2021-2022 for Dumbrava, 2023 for Arini) was carried out in spring, summer, and autumn seasons. The study aimed to identify species and calculate ecological indices (abundance, dominance, constancy, Index of ecological significance) as input into conservation. The nature of collection technique did mean larger beetle species were collected, being the primary nature of this study. In total, 12 beetle families were identified covering 46 coleopteran species from 5,008 specimens. Section 3.1 records in table format all the beetles found. Carabid species diversity was significantly higher in Arini, due to the more varied vegetation. In Dumbrava the forest edge plays an important role in seasonal beetle migrations. The shady areas with shrub vegetation favor predatory and scavenging shrub species such as Carabus (Procustes) coriaceus Linnaeus, 1758 and Phosphuga (Silpha) atrata Linnaeus, 1758. Dominant species were: Carabus violaceus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pterostichus oblongopunctatus Fabricius, 1787 (crepuscular predators).