In the context of a European study on the evolutionary ecology and genetics of saltmarsh ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae), we have already studied Pogonus and Bembidion salt beetles from other areas in Spain (in cooperation with Prof. J. Serrano, Univ. Murcia) (see refs). It would be very interesting to add samples from South Spain, especially from the Coto Doñana area, to this study.

The halobionth beetle species (e.g. Pogonus chalceus), if occurring in a saltmarsh area, are abundant and therefore relatively easy to sample, mainly by handcatches or by small live-pitfall-traps (catching during some days only). Due to the specific location of Coto Doñana, as well as its vast area, genetic data could be very interesting for our study in order to further compare Atlantic and Mediterranean genetic characteristics of these insects, related to their evolutionary history and ecology.

Results of our survey could moreover be of conservation interest to the National Park of Coto Doñana by adding data on the presence and conservation of Carabidae (ground beetles) in this area and also by an evaluation on the possible occurrence of special genetic forms in this area as compared to other regions of Spain and Europe (investigations in cooperation with Prof. J. Serrano, Univ. Murcia).

DESENDER, K. and SERRANO, J. 1999. A genetic comparison of atlantic and mediterranean populations of a saltmarsh beetle. Belg. J. Zool. 129: 83-94.
DESENDER, K., SERRANO, J., and VERDYCK, P. , 2000. Genetic diversity and wing polymorphism in the saltmarsh beetle Pogonus chalceus: an Atlantic-Mediterranean comparison. In: Natural History and Applied Ecology of Carabid Beetles. Brandmayr, P., Lövei, G. L., Zetto Brandmayr, T., Casale, A., and Vigna Taglianti, A. (eds.): 35-44. Sofia, Moscow.
DHUYVETTER, H., HENDRICKX, F., GAUBLOMME, E. & K. DESENDER, In Press. Differentiation between two salt marsh beetle ecotypes: evidence for ongoing speciation. Evolution.