Determination of harmful and beneficial insect species in wheat cultivation areas of Midyat district, Mardin, Türkiye

Wheat has been the most important food source in human nutrition throughout history. In agricultural areas, numerous harmful insects negatively affect wheat yield and quality. Identifying significant pest species and implementing effective control strategies are crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted between March-July 2022–2023 at two-week intervals to determine pest and beneficial insect species in wheat cultivation areas of Midyat district, Mardin. Sampling methods including sweep nets, quadrat (50x50 cm), pitfall traps, and visual inspection were used. The study identified 12 pest insect species belonging to 11 families within 7 orders and 7 beneficial insect species belonging to 6 families within 4 orders. Species distribution was: 4 species from 3 families in Coleoptera, 10 species from 8 families in Hemiptera, 2 species from 2 families in Hymenoptera, and 1 species each from Lepidoptera, Thysanoptera, Neuroptera, and Diptera orders. Among harmful species, Eurygaster integriceps Put., Dolycoris baccarum (L.), Cephus pygmaeus L., Brancoplia leucaspis Castelnau, Zabrus spp., Oulema melanopus (L.), and Cercopis sanguinolenta Scopoli showed high density and widespread distribution. The highest mean density was recorded for E. integriceps (13 adults + nymphs/m²). Field surveys revealed that Sunn pest ( Eurygaster integriceps Put.) and Wheat stem borer ( Brancoplia leucaspis Castelnau) are the most significant pests reaching economic damage thresholds. Among beneficial predator species, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were the most widespread.