Coleopteran Species in Arid Environments

Abstract

Draa oases are declared as a part of the biosphere reserve of Moroccan oases. These oases are agro-ecosystem dominated by the palm and fed by Draa Wadi, the longest in Morocco. Outside the oasis, the acacia trees and many pre-Saharan herbaceous species expand along the flooded areas and at the edges of temporary waterways. This desert vegetation creates a microclimate that favors the proliferation of a vast invertebrate diversity including Coleopteran species (beetles) that support the soil and flora-fauna ecosystem services. These insects play a very important role in the health of this environment. Indeed, they can perform the functions of ecosystems such as pollination, purification, biological control, and soil fertilization. In this chapter, the authors provide new information and update the list of the Coleopteran species in the Draa Valley. Thirty-one species and 15 families were observed through several entomological trips.