Daily activity of Dichotomius geminatus (Arrow, 1913) and Deltochilum verruciferum Felsche, 1911 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) facing carrion: from resource perception to feeding
Rev. bras. entomol
; 61(4): 300-306, Oct.-Dec. 2017. tab, graf
Artigo
em Inglês
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-1045468
Biblioteca responsável:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Abstract Dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) interact with resources in different ways and are classified according to resource relocation guilds. Dichotomius geminatus (Coprini) and Deltochilum verruciferum (Canthonini) are two of the most abundant and ecologically important species of the semi-arid region of Brazil, and understanding their behaviour may facilitate the comprehension of strategies associated to competition for resources. The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavioural repertoire of D. geminatus (tunneler) and D. verruciferum (roller), in isolation and controlled setting in the Brazilian semi-arid biome, using carrion as a food resource. Our hypothesis was that, due to the distinct food relocation strategies presented by these species, distinct behaviours would occur involving resource utilization. We also compared the behaviour of the two species and investigated the period of diel activity. Both species were more active during the night, but D. geminatus presented a shorter peak of nocturnal activity when compared to D. verruciferum. Although there was activity during the day, feeding was only observed during the night, for both species. During the periods of inactivity, D. verruciferum commonly went underneath the carrion, remaining still. As the target species of the study are very abundant, the differences in behaviour associated with the distinct relocation guilds may indicate a strategy to avoid direct competition.
Texto completo:
Disponível
Coleções:
Bases de dados internacionais
Base de dados:
LILACS
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Rev. bras. entomol
Assunto da revista:
Biologia
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
/
Documento de projeto
País de afiliação:
Brasil
/
México
Instituição/País de afiliação:
Instituto de Ecología, A. C./MX
/
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco/BR