Insect biodiversity helps maintain a healthy ecological balance in urban ecosystems. Beetles of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (scarabs) are a diverse group of insects that act as indicators of biodiversity and environmental health. In addition, scarabs are valued for their role in recycling nutrients and pollination. Here we examined the scarab diversity on the campus of Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, to determine the species diversity in this urban environment. We collected beetles during the summer of 2022 using a variety of methods. Active methods included hand collection, sweep netting, and digging through logs and litter. Passive methods were black lighting, hanging fruit traps, baited pitfall traps, and flight intercept traps. Across campus, we found 39 species, including Maryland’s largest scarab, the Eastern Hercules beetle, and we have provided 4 new records for Wicomico County. We also found several species of flower beetles, the introduced Japanese and Oriental beetles, and 11 species of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae). This summer, we will examine the scarabs at the City Park and Salisbury Zoo. We intend to increase our species list and make comparisons with this urban area.
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