Adult emergence phenology of nine endemic insects of the Monahans sandhills in western Texas

The Monahans and Mescalaro sandhills is home to a unique diversity of insects, including nine species known to be endemic to the region (Anomala suavis, Epitragosoma arenaria, Nicagus occultus, Polyphylla monahansensis, Polyphylla pottsorum, Prionus arenarius, Prionus spinnipenis, Stenopelmatus monahansensis, and Trigonoscutoides texanus).  Information on the biology and ecology of these species is needed to support assessments of threats and to provide recommendations for conservation actions.  The objective of this study was to determine the adult phenologies of the nine focal species.  Seven semi-permanent insect collecting stations were established in March and April 2013 at the Monahans Sandhills State Park on open and vegetated sand dunes.  At each station, a Townes trap, 10 pitfall traps and a UV light trap were used to collect insects; samples from each station were collected at biweekly intervals (monthly on two occasions) through December 2013.  Based on trap captures, phenological data, length of the adult emergence period, peak of emergence and cumulative degree days (base 10°C DD₁₀) were calculated and presented here.