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Objective: To evaluate the flight height and population fluctuation of Euplatypus parallelus and E. segnis associated with the mangrove ecosystem in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: To assess the flight height of E. parallelus and E. segnis, six sampling sites were selected within the mangrove area. At each site, three interception traps were installed at heights of 1.5, 6, and 12 meters, and sampling was conducted over the course of one year. Population fluctuation was analyzed graphically by comparing monthly abundance data with environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Additionally, Pearson correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between flight activity and the recorded environmental factors.
Results: A total of 216 individuals of E. segnis and 132 of E. parallelus were collected. The greatest number of individuals was captured at 1.5 meters, while the fewest were recorded at 12 meters. Statistical differences in flight height preferences were observed, with both species showing a significant preference for flying at 1.5 meters compared to 6 and 12 meters. The population fluctuation of E. parallelus and E. segnis varied by sampling month and differed across the evaluated flight heights. Correlation analyses revealed a slight negative association between E. parallelus abundance and precipitation, and a positive association between E. segnis abundance and temperature. Limitations on study/implications: It is crucial to record environmental variables at the insect capture sites using mobile devices to ensure reliable data that accurately reflect the relationship between environmental conditions and insect behavior. Findings/conclusions: The results suggest that E. parallelus prefers to settle and move below six meters in height, where larger trunk diameters provide more suitable feeding and breeding areas.