Short notes on saxproxylic arthropods of Muaya, Sipitang, Sabah

Abstract

A short study to look at the occurrence of saproxylic arthropods was conducted in Muaya, Sipitang from 12th to 14th May, 2012. Two pieces of deadwood (45 cm and 26 cm in diameter respectively) were examined randomly. Arthropods collected were classified to class level. For Class Insecta, specimens were then identified up to order level. A total of 7 insect orders and 4 other classes of arthropods were recorded. Beetles (Coleoptera) were further identified to family level while termites (Isoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were identified to genus level. Among non-social insects, beetles were the highest in terms of individuals collected in 6 families. In terms of species, ants had the highest number with at least 12 species recorded.