FAUNISTIC ANALYSIS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FAMILY CURCULIONIDAE (COLEOPTERA) IN THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE SOUTHERN ARAL SEA REGION AND OPTIMIZATION OF PHYTOSANITARY PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

This paper analyses the faunistic composition and ecological groups of beetles belonging to the family Curculionidae, as well as the scientific foundations of phytosanitary preventive measures, in the Southern Aral Sea region, in particular in the agro-landscapes of Muynak, the lower reaches of the Amu Darya and the areas adjoining the Aralkum in Karakalpakstan. The study generalises, by means of comparative analysis, recent publications, materials from entomofauna monitoring carried out in the Muynak area in 2024–2025, and taxonomic data on Curculionidae. The sources indicate that xerophilous, mesophilous and agrophilous forms occur in the Southern Aral Sea region, and that such weevils as Megamecus variegatus, Chromosomus fischeri and Baris memnonia have been recorded on the forest and pasture vegetation of the dried seabed. The analysis obtained confirms that representatives of Curculionidae are of indicator significance for the stability of desert ecosystems and for agricultural phytosanitary security. Monitoring, crop rotation, the optimisation of irrigation and the early detection of pest foci were identified as priority directions in prevention.