Does a Rural-Urban Gradient Affect Beetle Assemblages in an Arid Ecosystem?

Urbanization affects all elements of the pre-urban environment, including soils, hydrology, vegetation, and microclimate. Recently, Saudi Arabia has experienced rapid urbanization growth. Thus, country’s biodiversity been threatened. In Riyadh region, beetle assemblages were assessed along a rural-suburban-urban gradient. A total 2791 individuals from 94 species belonging to seven families collected at 15 sites three different gradients in Wadi Hanifa, which runs for length 120 km northwest southeast. Tenebrionidae dominated abundance (60.1%) richness (38%). Beetle abundance, evenness, diversity not among habitats; however, was higher rural habitats. Detrended correspondence “DCA” canonical “CCA” analyses showed distinct differences gradients. intensity, soil variables, land cover significantly correlated with CCA axis 1, while elevation flora 2. The most critical operating environmental variables Hanifa buildings, elevation, organic carbon, litter cover, depth, as well plant such Launaea capitata, Lycium shawii, Alhagi graecorum, Heliotropium currasavicum. Ten our study associated urban habitats, six suburban Consequently, expanding areas may negatively affect composition beetles result loss some native species.