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

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.