Species composition and seasonality of pitfall trapped Coleoptera at a site in the central Orange free state, South Africa

Coleoptera species composition in terms of abundance and seasonality was recorded at the Florisbad Research Station in the central Orange Free State of South Africa by means of standardized pitfall trapping at equal intensity for 36 months (September 1982 through to August 1985). 248 species of 38 families (6173 individuals) were recorded during this period. Only afew species were active throughout the year, with the majority being recorded during spring and autumn and the least during winter. The seasonal distribution of several ground-living species could be significantly correlated with temperature and rainfall and a few of them showed substratum preference. Host plant specificity is recorded for members of the Curculionoidea.