Springtime Habitat Survey of Oxythyrea sp. and Tropinota sp. in Northern Mallorca, Plant Preferences, and Ecological and Conservation Concerns of Roadside Proximity

This study investigates the habitat preferences of beetles belonging to the Oxythyrea and Tropinota genera in Northern Mallorca, with a particular focus on flowering species as host plants. A total of 838 observational results were collected throughout field surveys. Key findings indicate that Oxythyrea sp. and Tropinota sp. predominantly inhabit areas with dense populations of flowering Galactites sp. and Asphodelus sp. plants in this region. It was noted during field surveys that plants located near roadsides hosted drastically fewer target beetles. This was the case even when the roadside evaluated had adequately dense clusters of suitable host plants, and when adjacent fields hosted many suitable host plants and strong beetle populations. This finding suggests that these beetles may be sensitive to pollution, road noise or artificial wind conditions generated by passing vehicles.