Ladybird Beetle Diversity in Natural and Human-Modified Habitats in the San Cristóbal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

This study investigates the species richness and distribution of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) across various habitats on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador. Through extensive field surveys, we catalogued nineteen species, including four previously known species (two endemics, and , and two natives, and ). We also identified nine possibly native species reported for the first time in the Galapagos islands in this study or correspond to the first voucher specimens for the island. We collected three previously reported non-native species: , , and . Three species belonging to the genera , , and remain undetermined, pending further taxonomic analyses. Our findings reveal a rich and complex community with notable differences in species abundance and habitat preference. Endemic species were found to be particularly scarce and restricted mainly to crops undergoing forest regeneration and deciduous forests, emphasising their vulnerability and specialised habitat requirements. The native emerged as the most prevalent species, exhibiting broad ecological adaptability. Non-native species, like , were predominantly found in disturbed habitats, with some showing early signs of spreading into more natural environments, raising concerns about their potential impact on local biodiversity. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to understanding Coccinellidae diversity on San Cristóbal Island and highlight the importance of continued monitoring, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental change and the introduction of non-native species. This study underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the unique and fragile ecosystems of the Galápagos Archipelago.