Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) as Bioindicators for the Assessment of Environmental Pollution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66167/ijlsci/2025113317Keywords:
Bioindicator, Environmental pollution, Ecological assessment, Ecosystem health, Sentinel species, Jewel beetles, Insect biomarkersAbstract
Environmental pollution poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and human health, creating an urgent need for effective biomonitoring tools. Coleoptera, representing the most diverse insect order, has emerged as a valuable taxon for pollution assessment due to its ecological versatility and sensitivity. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the use of beetles as bioindicators for a spectrum of environmental pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and the cascading effects of climate change.
Methods: We analyzed a wide range of studies employing beetles to monitor pollution levels across different ecosystems, examining evidence from accumulation patterns, behavioural and physiological changes, and community-level shifts. Research demonstrates that beetles effectively indicate pollution intensity through measurable responses. Ground beetles (Carabidae) show pollution intensity-dependent metal accumulation, while other families provide insights into emerging contaminants and climatic shifts. Their ecological traits, such as trophic position and habitat specificity, make them powerful sentinels. Beetles provide a reliable, cost-effective means for environmental assessment. However, the standardization of methods, a deeper understanding of long-term implications, and the integration of modern genetic tools are critical areas for future research. Their formal inclusion in monitoring frameworks offers a promising pathway for comprehensive environmental health evaluation.
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