# Species Composition and Emergence Patterns of Agriotes litigiosus, A. brevis and A. sordidus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Central Italy

## TL;DR

This study tracks the activity patterns of three click beetle species in central Italy to help farmers manage pests more sustainably.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the species composition and emergence sequence of three Agriotes species in central Italy.

## Key findings

- Agriotes litigiosus was the most abundant species observed in the study.
- A. brevis emerged first, followed by A. sordidus, and finally A. litigiosus.
- Species-specific emergence patterns can improve pest control strategies.

## Abstract

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.), whose larvae are known as wireworms, are among the harmful pests of European and North American crops, feeding on seeds and young roots. We monitored adult populations of three species (A. litigiosus, A. brevis and A. sordidus) in central Italy using pheromone traps at six sites. Agriotes litigiosus was the most common, followed by A. sordidus and A. brevis. The species emerged in sequence, with A. brevis emerging first, then A. sordidus, and finally A. litigiosus. Understanding when these beetles are most active can help farmers apply more precise and sustainable pest-control methods, reducing crop losses and limiting the use of chemical insecticides.

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.) are major agricultural pests whose larvae, known as wireworms, cause serious damage to a wide range of crops. Effective management requires a clear understanding of species composition and adult emergence patterns. This study investigated three Agriotes species in central Italy, focusing on their abundance and phenology in the Marche region. Field monitoring was conducted at six sites using pheromone traps from 2024 to 2025. Three species were detected: A. litigiosus, A. brevis, and A. sordidus, with A. litigiosus being the most abundant. Adult emergence displayed species-specific timing, occurring earliest in A. brevis, followed by A. sordidus and subsequently A. litigiosus. These findings highlight the importance of species-specific monitoring to optimize pest-control strategies. A deeper understanding of Agriotes’ flight dynamics can support more effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, reducing reliance on chemical control and minimizing crop damage.