The Dynastidae Beetles of Guyana

The Dynastidae are a group of very spectacular beetles whose diversity is extremely important in tropical rainforests.

In Guyana there are more than 140 species, some of which are among the largest insects in the world. Paradoxically, their biology or ecology is very poorly known and it is currently impossible to draw up a complete inventory of the species present in South America.

To fill this gap, the authors collected all available information for more than five years in order to create a reliable and up-to-date database. A significant amount of taxonomic and systematic revision work was carried out to draw up a precise list of the species present in French Guiana. Finally, close collaboration with a network of local entomologists made it possible to collect biological and ecological information that significantly advances knowledge of the group (distribution, seasonality, larval ecology, etc.).

After an introductory section devoted to the biology of Dynastidae, their living environment and observation and collection methods, the authors provide identification keys (in French and English) and very comprehensive descriptive sheets for each species (accompanied by the essential habitus photos and diagrams of the parameters used to validate the identifications made).

In a final part, the authors take stock of this inventory, highlighting certain gaps in the sampling and opening up perspectives for future prospecting and research work.

This illustrated fauna of the different species present in Guyana is intended to facilitate the identification of species and to generate field studies in the future. It is aimed at naturalists, professional or amateur entomologists, managers of natural spaces and more generally at all stakeholders involved in the protection and conservation of Guyana's natural heritage.