Insectos xilófagos asociados al bosque de manglar del área protegida refugio de vida silvestre Ramsar, humedal Bahía de Panamá

In Panama, terrestrial forests and mangrove ecosystems are very susceptible to insect damage, due the increase in exotic species. The objective of this study was determine relative abundance xylophagous beetles forest Wildlife Refuge RAMSAR protected area, Bay de Panamá wetland. research carried out located areas El Embarcadero, Costa Sur Don Bosco, where 5033 individuals, corresponding 6 families (Kalotermitidae, Termitidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae, Elateridae Scarabaeidae), associated with were captured. Embarcadero site highest number insects 3,803 individuals. Of three sampled, closest coast (Zone 1) showed greatest insects, while Bosco least number. beetle family Curculionidae most commonly observed family, subfamilies Scolitinae Platypodinae being important. 91% all captured belonged Scolytinae subfamily, 6% subfamily; one particular species, Euplatypus parallelus, affect many Avicennia germinans. Xylophagous that presented lower abundances were: 45 Scarabaeidae 5 Cerambycidae 2 Two termite observed, Kalotermitidae 50 nests, Termitidae nests. Termites important their ability modify soil properties by decomposing organic matter, mainly wood trees already old or dead. They also contribute protecting nutrients, factors key maintaining tropical ecosystem stability.