First comprehensive survey of nine endemic insects at the Monahans Sandhills in Western Texas

The Mescalero and Monahans sand dune systems of southeastern New Mexico and western Texas are known for their unique biological diversity.  Five insect species (Anomala suavis, Nicagus occultus, Prionus spinnipenis, Trigonoscutoides texanus, and Stenopelmatus monahansensis) are known to occur only within the Monahans sandhills of western Texas, with the remaining four species (Epitragosoma arenaria, Polyphylla monahanensis, Polyphylla pottsorum, and Prionus arenarius) occurring in both the Monahans and Mescalero sandhills. These psammophilic insects are all considered species of greatest conservation need in the Texas Conservation Action Plan (TCAP). However, little research has been conducted since their original descriptions. Thus, we initiated field investigations to better understand habitat associations, life histories and seasonality, threats and conservation needs. In addition to these nine species that are the subjects of current studies, a large volume of unprocessed specimens are held in ethanol at the Museum of Texas Tech University.  Here, we provide an overview of the project and species and invite potential collaboration with entomologists having interests in this psammophilic fauna.