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Boughton CJ, Lancaster LT, Morgan ER. Biotic interactions in soil and dung shape parasite transmission in temperate ruminant systems: An integrative framework. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 34:e2956. [PMID: 38426805 PMCID: PMC11476215 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminth parasites undergo part of their life cycle outside their host, such that developmental stages interact with the soil and dung fauna. These interactions are capable of affecting parasite transmission on pastures yet are generally ignored in current models, empirical studies and practical management. Dominant methods of parasite control, which rely on anthelmintic medications for livestock, are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasite populations. Furthermore, consumer and regulatory pressure on decreased chemical use in agriculture and the consequential disruption of biological processes in the dung through nontarget effects exacerbates issues with anthelmintic reliance. This presents a need for the application and enhancement of nature-based solutions and biocontrol methods. However, successfully harnessing these options relies on advanced understanding of the ecological system and interacting effects among biotic factors and with immature parasite stages. Here, we develop a framework linking three key groups of dung and soil fauna-fungi, earthworms, and dung beetles-with each other and developmental stages of helminths parasitic in farmed cattle, sheep, and goats in temperate grazing systems. We populate this framework from existing published studies and highlight the interplay between faunal groups and documented ecological outcomes. Of 1756 papers addressing abiotic drivers of populations of these organisms and helminth parasites, only 112 considered interactions between taxa and 36 presented data on interactions between more than two taxonomic groups. Results suggest that fungi reduce parasite abundance and earthworms may enhance fungal communities, while competition between dung taxa may reduce their individual effect on parasite transmission. Dung beetles were found to impact fungal populations and parasite transmission variably, possibly tied to the prevailing climate within a specific ecological context. By exploring combinations of biotic factors, we consider how interactions between species may be fundamental to the ecological consequences of biocontrol strategies and nontarget impacts of anthelmintics on dung and soil fauna and how pasture management alterations to promote invertebrates might help limit parasite transmission. With further development and parameterization the framework could be applied quantitatively to guide, prioritize, and interpret hypothesis-driven experiments and integrate biotic factors into established models of parasite transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University BelfastBelfastUK
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2
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Lobo JM. Hotter-is-not-better: A study on the thermal response of a winter active and nocturnal beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 153:104602. [PMID: 38142956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
While there are numerous examples of thermogenesis processes in poikilothermic insects that maintain a stable temperature for a certain time and in certain parts of the body, there is a lack of information on ectothermic insect species capable of remaining active under "cold" conditions that would be challenging for other species. Such a thermal strategy would imply the existence of a metabolism that can operate at different temperatures without the need to increase body temperature when experiencing cold environmental conditions. This "hotter-is-not-better" thermal strategy is considered ancestral and conjectured to be linked to the origin and evolution of endothermy. In this study, we examined the thermal performance of a large-bodied dung beetle species (Chelotrupes momus) capable of being active during the winter nights in the Iberian Mediterranean region. Field and laboratory results were obtained using thermocamera records, thermocouples, data loggers and spectrometers that measured ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. The thermal data clearly indicated that this species can remain active at a body temperature of approximately 6 °C without the need to warm its body above ambient temperature. Comparing the spectrophotometric data of the species under study with that from other previously examined dung beetle species indicated that the exoskeleton of this particular species likely enhances the absorption of infrared radiation, thereby implying a dual role of the exoskeleton in both heat acquisition and heat dissipation. Taken together, these results suggest that this species has morphological and metabolic adaptations that enable life processes at temperatures that are typically unsuitable for most insect species in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M Lobo
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Spain.
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3
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Abstract
Ambient temperature (Ta) is a critical abiotic factor for insects that cannot maintain a constant body temperature (Tb). Interestingly, Ta varies during the day, between seasons and habitats; insects must constantly cope with these variations to avoid reaching the deleterious effects of thermal stress. To minimize these risks, insects have evolved a set of physiological and behavioral thermoregulatory processes as well as molecular responses that allow them to survive and perform under various thermal conditions. These strategies range from actively seeking an adequate environment, to cooling down through the evaporation of body fluids and synthesizing heat shock proteins to prevent damage at the cellular level after heat exposure. In contrast, endothermy may allow an insect to fight parasitic infections, fly within a large range of Ta and facilitate nest defense. Since May (1979), Casey (1988) and Heinrich (1993) reviewed the literature on insect thermoregulation, hundreds of scientific articles have been published on the subject and new insights in several insect groups have emerged. In particular, technical advancements have provided a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying thermoregulatory processes. This present Review aims to provide an overview of these findings with a focus on various insect groups, including blood-feeding arthropods, as well as to explore the impact of thermoregulation and heat exposure on insect immunity and pathogen development. Finally, it provides insights into current knowledge gaps in the field and discusses insect thermoregulation in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Lahondère
- Department of Biochemistry, The Fralin Life Science Institute, The Global Change Center, Department of Entomology, Center of Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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4
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Armas F, Favila ME, González-Tokman D, Salomão RP, Baena-Díaz F. Experimental Crosses Between Two Dung Beetle Lineages Show Transgressive Segregation in Physiological Traits. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 52:442-451. [PMID: 36897325 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-023-01034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Physiological traits in insects are intrinsically related to their behavior, fitness, and survival and can reflect adaptations to ecological stressors in different environments, leading to population differentiation that may cause hybrid failure. In this study, we characterized five physiological traits related to body condition (body size, body mass, amount of fat, total hemolymph protein, and phenoloxidase activity) in two geographically separated and recently differentiated lineages of Canthon cyanellus LeConte, 1859 within their natural distribution in Mexico. We also performed experimental hybrid crosses between these lineages to better understand the differentiation process and explore the presence of transgressive segregation over physiological traits in them. We found differences between lineages in all traits except body mass, suggesting selective pressures related to different ecological pressures. These differences were also apparent in the transgressive segregation of all traits in F1 and F2 hybrids, except for phenoloxidase activity. Protein content was sexually dimorphic in both parental lineages but was reversed in hybrids, suggesting a genetic basis for the differences between sexes. The negative sign of transgressive segregation for most traits indicates that hybrids would be smaller, thinner, and generally unfit. Our results suggest that these two lineages may undergo postzygotic reproductive isolation, confirming the cryptic diversity of this species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Armas
- Instituto de Ecología A. C. Xalapa, Veracruz, 91070, México
| | - Mario E Favila
- Instituto de Ecología A. C. Xalapa, Veracruz, 91070, México.
| | | | - Renato P Salomão
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, México
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5
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Reyes JA, Espinosa de los Monteros A, Santiago-Jiménez QJ. Phylogeography of Falagonia mexicana Sharp, 1883 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae). Zookeys 2023; 1156:107-131. [DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1156.84943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Falagonia mexicana is an aleocharine distributed from northern Mexico to Guatemala and El Salvador. It is associated with Atta mexicana ants and lives within their piles of waste or external debris. The phylogeography and historical demography of 18 populations from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador were studied. The data set encompasses a 472 bp fragment of the COI. Results suggest that F. mexicana was originated during Middle Pliocene (ca. 0.5 Mya), starting its diversification at the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. Populations were recovered forming at least four main lineages, with a significant phylogeographic structure. Evidence of contemporary restricted gene flow was found among populations. The historical demography suggests that the geographic structure is due to recent physical barriers (e.g., Isthmus of Tehuantepec) rather than ancient geological events. Also, recent geological and volcanic events in the east of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and the Sierra Madre Oriental might be responsible for the restricted gene flow among populations. Skyline-plot analyses suggested that a demographic expansion event took place at the end of the Late Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles.
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Mora-Aguilar EF, Arriaga-Jiménez A, Correa CMA, da Silva PG, Korasaki V, López-Bedoya PA, Hernández MIM, Pablo-Cea JD, Salomão RP, Valencia G, Vulinec K, Edwards FA, Edwards DP, Halffter G, Noriega JA. Toward a standardized methodology for sampling dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in the Neotropics: A critical review. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1096208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe standardization of sampling protocols is imperative for robustly studying any taxonomic group. Replicable methods allow the comparison of data between different spatial and temporal studies. In the case of dung beetles, one of the best-studied indicator groups in analyses of environmental disturbance, a wide range of collection methodologies are used, from basic pitfall traps to more complex or complementary methods such as mini-Winkler extractor. Also, different types of attractive baits, sampling effort, durations, and designs are used in dung beetle studies. Variations in methodological approaches are particularly noted in the Neotropics, which may be related to the vast number of biological strategies and behavior of dung beetles that inhabit this region. A lack of methodological unification for the Neotropical region makes a cross-sectional analysis of the information impossible.MethodsWe performed a compilation and analytical review of the existing literature for dung beetle sampling in the Neotropics, discussing the most used methodologies, their advantages and disadvantages, and specific cases in which particular models are more efficient.ResultsPitfall traps baited with human excrement are the most common sampling method, but there is a wide range of models and variations in the structure of this trap. The complementary effect generated by flight interception traps, light traps, and direct collections, particularly within microhabitats, is exciting for the potential of finding new species. Some methodologies, such as mini-Winkler extractor, fogging, or very specific baits, are infrequently used.DiscussionThere was a lack of inclusion of spatial and temporal variation among studies. Therefore, it is necessary to consider broader sampling windows, which include different spatial scales, seasons, and years. Finally, we propose a standard protocol for sampling dung beetles in the Neotropics, depending on each objective, and including a basic methodology for obtaining complete local inventories.
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Williamson J, Teh E, Jucker T, Brindle M, Bush E, Chung AYC, Parrett J, Lewis OT, Rossiter SJ, Slade EM. Local‐scale temperature gradients driven by human disturbance shape the physiological and morphological traits of dung beetle communities in a Bornean oil‐palm‐forest mosaic. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Williamson
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road London UK
| | - Enoch Teh
- Asian School of the Environment Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue Singapore City Singapore
| | - Tommaso Jucker
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Ave Bristol UK
| | - Matilda Brindle
- Department of Anthropology University College London 14 Taviton Street London
| | - Emma Bush
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Arboretum Pl Edinburgh UK
| | - Arthur Y. C. Chung
- Forest Research Centre, Sabah Forestry Department, P.O. Box 1407, 90715 Sandakan Sabah Malaysia
| | - Jonathan Parrett
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology Adam Mickiewicz University ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6 Poznań Poland
| | - Owen T. Lewis
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Stephen J. Rossiter
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road London UK
| | - Eleanor M. Slade
- Asian School of the Environment Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue Singapore City Singapore
- Department of Zoology University of Oxford Oxford UK
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Livestock grazing impact differently on the functional diversity of dung beetles depending on the regional context in subtropical forests. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1636. [PMID: 35102229 PMCID: PMC8803855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The replacement of native forest by cattle pastures reduces functional diversity; however, little is known about whether the changes depend on regional variation. Dung beetles are one of the most diverse and functionally important taxa; through organic matter burial, dung beetles improve soil quality. We collected dung beetles in native forests and cattle ranching areas in subtropical forests with contrasting climatic conditions: the Atlantic Forest, the Humid Chaco, and the Dry Chaco. We measured 11 traits related to the ecology and the physiology of species. Irrespectively of the region, functional richness was higher in forests (native and with cattle) when compared to open pastures. Humid forests (Atlantic Forest and Humid Chaco) showed higher functional richness than Dry Chaco. Functional dispersion in humid forests was similar between native forest and livestock systems, however, functional dispersion in the Dry Chaco was higher in open pastures compared to native forest. According to our results, native forests and forests with cattle maintain functional diversity in all regions. However, in the case of open pastures, the response depends on the regional context; the replacement of native forest by open pastures strongly affected functional diversity in humid forests and showed less impact on dry forest.
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Barretto J, Baena ML, Domínguez IH, Escobar F. Spatiotemporal variation in the adult sex ratio, male aggregation, and movement of two tropical cloud forest dung beetles. Curr Zool 2021; 68:635-644. [PMID: 36743229 PMCID: PMC9892795 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While theory suggests that at conception the sex ratio should be balanced (1:1), this can be variable across space and time in wild populations. Currently, studies of the environmental factors that regulate adult sex ratio (ASR) in species with different life history traits are scarce. Using capture-recapture over a year, we analyzed the influence of habitat type (forest and nonforest) and season (rainy and dry) on variation in ASR, male aggregation and the trajectory movement of 2 dung beetle species with different life history traits: Deltochilum mexicanum (a hornless roller species) and Dichotomius satanas (a tunneler species with horns on its head and thorax). We found opposite tendencies. The D. mexicanum population tends to be female-biased, but the population of D. satanas tends to be predominantly male, and observed values were not related to habitat type or season. However, the 95% confidence intervals estimated were highly variable between seasons depending on habitat. On examining the monthly variation in ASR for both habitats, we found that it depends on the species. In addition, male aggregation differed between species depending on habitat type and season, and species movement patterns were closely related to their habitat preferences. Based on our results, we argue that comparative population studies of species with different life history traits are necessary to understand the variation in demographic parameters as well as its ecological and evolutionary implications in the face of spatial and climatic environmental variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julliana Barretto
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología, Xalapa, C.P. 91073, Mexico
| | | | - Israel Huesca Domínguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Veracruzana. Av. Luis Castelazo Ayala s/n Col. Industrial Ánimas, Xalapa, C.P. 91190, Mexico
| | - Federico Escobar
- Red de Ecoetología, Instituto de Ecología, Xalapa, C.P. 91073, Mexico
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10
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Daniel GM, Noriega JA, da Silva PG, Deschodt CM, Sole CL, Scholtz CH, Davis ALV. Soil type, vegetation cover and temperature determinants of the diversity and structure of dung beetle assemblages in a South African open woodland and closed canopy mosaic. AUSTRAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gimo M. Daniel
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
- Department of Terrestrial Invertebrates National Museum Bloemfontein 36 Aliwal Street Bloemfontein 9300 South Africa
| | - Jorge Ari Noriega
- Laboratory of Zoology and Aquatic Ecology – LAZOEA University of los Andes Bogotá Colombia
| | - Pedro G. da Silva
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Silvestre Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte MG Brazil
| | | | - Catherine L. Sole
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
| | - Clarke H. Scholtz
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
| | - Adrian L. V. Davis
- Department of Zoology & Entomology University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
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11
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Şahin MK, Kuyucu AC. Thermal biology of two sympatric Lacertid lizards (Lacerta diplochondrodes and Parvilacerta parva) from Western Anatolia. J Therm Biol 2021; 101:103094. [PMID: 34879912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sympatric lizard species present convenient models for studying differentiation in thermal behavior and the role of morphological differences in their thermal biology. Here we studied the thermal biology of two sympatric lizard species which occur sympatrically in the Phrygian Valley of Western Anatolia. These two species differ in body size, with Lacerta diplochondrodes being larger than Parvilacerta parva. The surface body temperatures of the individuals belonging to both species were recorded when active in the field. Additionally, several environmental parameters including solar radiation, substrate temperature, air temperature and wind speed were monitored to investigate the relative effects of these abiotic parameters on the thermal biology of the two species. The surface body temperature and temperature excess (difference between body and substrate temperature) of the two species, while being relatively close to each other, showed seasonal differences. Solar radiation, substrate temperature and air temperature were the main factors influencing their thermal biology. Additionally, although body size did not have a direct effect on body temperature or temperature excess, the interaction between body size and solar radiation on temperature excess was significant. In conclusion, our study partially supports the conservation of body temperature of related lizard species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Kürşat Şahin
- Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Department of Biology, Kamil Ozdag Faculty of Science, Karaman, Turkey.
| | - Arda Cem Kuyucu
- Hacettepe University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara, Turkey.
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12
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Nervo B, Roggero A, Isaia M, Chamberlain D, Rolando A, Palestrini C. Integrating thermal tolerance, water balance and morphology: An experimental study on dung beetles. J Therm Biol 2021; 101:103093. [PMID: 34879911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The impacts of extreme and rising mean temperatures due to climate change can pose significant physiological challenges for insects. An integrated approach that focuses on mechanisms of body temperature regulation, water balance and morphology may help to unravel the functional traits underpinning thermoregulation strategies and the most relevant trade-offs between temperature and water balance regulation. Here, we focused on four species of tunneler dung beetles as important providers of ecosystem services. In this experimental research, we first quantified two traits related to desiccation resistance and tolerance via experimental tests, and subsequently defined two levels of resistance and tolerance (i.e. low and high) according to significant differences among species. Second, we identified morphological traits correlated with water balance strategies, and we found that desiccation resistance and tolerance increased with small relative size of spiracles and wings. High levels of desiccation tolerance were also correlated with small body mass. Third, by integrating thermal tolerance with functional traits based on desiccation resistance and desiccation tolerance, we found that the species with the highest survival rates under elevated temperatures (Euoniticellus fulvus) was characterized by low desiccation resistance and high desiccation tolerance. Our results suggest shared physiological and morphological responses to temperature and desiccation, with potential conflicts between the need to regulate heat and water balance. They also highlighted the sensitivity of a large species such as Geotrupes stercorarius to warm and arid conditions with potential implications for its geographic distribution and the provisioning of ecosystem services under a climate change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Nervo
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy.
| | - Angela Roggero
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Isaia
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Dan Chamberlain
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Rolando
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Palestrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123, Torino, Italy
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13
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Cuesta E, Lobo JM. Can the spectrophotometric response of the elytra explain environmental preferences? A study in seven Onthophagus species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae). JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2021; 225:112348. [PMID: 34742032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2021.112348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Beetles are the most successful and diversified animal taxa characterized by the possession of an external pair of sclerotized wings (elytra). Managing electromagnetic radiations could be one of the functions of the exoskeleton. We studied the spectrophotometric response to ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiations of the elytra of seven closely related and sympatric Onthophagus species to examine if the environmental preferences of these species could be associated with the spectrophotometric behaviour of their elytra. Our results indicated that sibling species can drastically differ in their environmental preferences but not in their spectrophotometric responses. However, our results corroborated that there are interspecific differences in the spectrophotometric characteristics of the elytra, which are mainly explained by morphological features. Among the examined morphological variables, darkness seems to be especially relevant as it facilitates the absorbance and obstructs the transmittance of visible and near-infrared radiations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Cuesta
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (C.S.I.C.), Madrid, Spain; Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge M Lobo
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (C.S.I.C.), Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Tocco C, Dacke M, Byrne M. The finely defined shift work schedule of dung beetles and their eye morphology. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:15947-15960. [PMID: 34824802 PMCID: PMC8601928 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In nature, nothing is wasted, not even waste. Dung, composed of metabolic trash and leftovers of food, is a high-quality resource and the object of fierce competition. Over 800 dung beetle species (Scarabaeinae) compete in the South African dung habitat and more than 100 species can colonize a single dung pat. To coexist in the same space, using the same food, beetles divide the day between them. However, detailed diel activity periods and associated morphological adaptations have been largely overlooked in these dung-loving insects. To address this, we used a high-frequency trapping design to establish the diel activity period of 44 dung beetle species in their South Africa communities. This allowed us to conclude that the dung beetles show a highly refined temporal partitioning strategy, with differences in peak of activity even within the diurnal, crepuscular, and nocturnal guilds, independent of nesting behavior and taxonomic classification. We further analyzed differences in eye and body size of our 44 model species and describe their variability in external eye morphology. In general, nocturnal species are bigger than crepuscular and diurnal species, and as expected, the absolute and relative eye size is greatest in nocturnal species, followed by crepuscular and then diurnal species. A more surprising finding was that corneal structure (smooth or facetted) is influenced by the activity period of the species, appearing flat in the nocturnal species and highly curved in the diurnal species. The role of the canthus-a cuticular structure that partially or completely divides the dung beetle eye into dorsal and ventral parts-remains a mystery, but the large number of species investigated in this study nevertheless allowed us to reject any correlation between its presence and the nesting behavior or time of activity of the beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tocco
- Lund Vision GroupDepartment of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandWits, JohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Marie Dacke
- Lund Vision GroupDepartment of BiologyLund UniversityLundSweden
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandWits, JohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Marcus Byrne
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandWits, JohannesburgSouth Africa
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15
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Spatiotemporal effects on dung beetle activities in island forests-home garden matrix in a tropical village landscape. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17398. [PMID: 34462466 PMCID: PMC8405664 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects in seasonal tropics experience a wide range of temperatures along seasons, habitats, and a day. Therefore, the thermal tolerance of the insects can be a major driver for their habitat preference, temporal patterns of activity, and formation of communities. We examined the dung beetle communities of eleven pairs of neighboring open (home gardens) and closed habitats (sacred groves) during dry and wet seasons and diel periods (day and night) to understand the dung beetle activities along a spatiotemporal gradient constituted by the sacred groves-home garden matrix on a tropical village landscape. We tested the following hypotheses: (i) closed habitats have greater activities of dung beetles over open habitats; (ii) the diurnal communities of dung beetles are different from the nocturnal communities; and (iii) the diurnal-nocturnal activities of dung beetles could be predicted by the habitat and season. We considered abundance, richness, total biomass, and Shannon diversity of overall beetles, abundance of different functional groups, and species composition in communities as the quantitative measures in the predictive statistical models. In total, 2727 dung beetles belonging to 38 species, ten genera, and three functional groups were collected. The open habitat supported more number of dung beetles (N = 2318) than the closed habitat (N = 409). The diurnal communities were different from nocturnal communities, particularly in open habitat, where the temperature was different between day and night. The dominant species of the diurnal communities of open habitat hardly used the closed habitat in any context including dry-wet seasons, but the nocturnal communities of the open habitat were closer to the communities of closed habitat. The diel period and habitat predicted the abundance activity of functional groups; season was a poor predictor of dung beetle activities. Given that the species composition has turned over across habitats, and the closed habitat supported remarkably lesser number of beetles than the open habitats, the closed habitat is unlikely to be a thermal refuge for the open habitat species in village landscapes that have island forests, such as sacred groves, and home gardens form a matrix.
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Lobo JM, Cuesta E. Seasonal variation in the diel activity of a dung beetle assemblage. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11786. [PMID: 34306833 PMCID: PMC8280883 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The seasonal and diel variations of dung beetle species were studied in an Iberian mid-mountain locality to examine the interaction between these two temporal rhythms. We assume that a seasonal variation in the diel activity would support the notion that both rhythms may assist in achieving a quick and flexible response when the climatic conditions change. Data coming from 4,104 pitfall traps placed during 15 sampling periods and totalling 30 daily sampling cycles were analysed using circular statistics and General Linear Models. A wide variety of seasonal patterns are observed, highlighting those species with a clear unimodal or spring-autumn bimodal seasonal pattern. However, a midday diel pattern is the norm in most of the species, except in the case of those exhibiting a high body weight that prefer dusk or night periods. We hypothesize that most of the dung beetle species fly at noon to promote the passive heating of their muscle activity and minimize the metabolic energy expenditure. Results only partially support the seasonal variation in diel activity. Diel preferences are mainly manifested at the time of the year in which the abundance is greater. Approximately two-thirds of the considered species exhibit a similar diel activity along their seasonal active period. As consequence, a significant portion of the dung beetle species currently inhabiting Mediterranean mid-mountains are not able to use the daily variation in climatic conditions to limit the inconveniences of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Lobo
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (C.S.I.C.), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Cuesta
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (C.S.I.C.), Madrid, Spain
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
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Sarmiento-Garcés R, Hernández MIM. A decrease in taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles impacts the ecosystem function of manure removal in altered subtropical habitats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244783. [PMID: 33406118 PMCID: PMC7787441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of biodiversity-caused mainly by habitat destruction-is one of the environmental problems with major repercussions on ecosystem functioning. Nevertheless, our understanding of the functional consequences of habitat changes on the communities and ecosystems remains limited to a small number of case studies. We evaluated the change in taxonomic and functional diversity of copro-necrophagous beetles (Scarabaeinae) and their relationship with the varying environmental factors present in four habitats with different degrees of disturbance. Furthermore, we evaluated how changes in taxonomic and functional diversity affect the rates of excrement removal. The collections were carried out at four locations in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, on natural systems with different degrees of disturbances (forests in advanced and initial succession) and agroecosystems (silviculture and pastures dedicated to livestock). We collected a total of 1266 dung beetles distributed in 35 species and classified into 11 functional groups. The taxonomic and functional diversity analyses showed that habitats that still maintain an arboreal stratum do not present differences between them, in contrast to habitats dedicated to livestock where there was a significant loss of species and functional groups. The distance between the trees, as well as the air and soil temperatures were determining factors in the selection of species and functional groups. Some of these environmental factors explain the differences in functional traits, represented as varying abundances of the species found. The rates of manure removal from the ecosystem were positively correlated to taxonomic and functional richness as well as biomass of beetles. Thus, we can conclude that habitats with tree strata have the capacity to preserve a larger proportion of the regional set of species as well as the important ones, while preserving the taxonomic and functional diversity and the ecosystem functions, such as the excrement removal rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Sarmiento-Garcés
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | - Malva Isabel Medina Hernández
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil
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Correa CMA, Puker A, Abot AR. Impacts of Exotic Pasture Establishment on Dung Beetle Assemblages (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the Brazilian Cerrado. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 49:1335-1344. [PMID: 33159442 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Brazilian Cerrado is the second largest Neotropical biome and an important hotspot of biodiversity. However, land use change in this ecosystem is producing landscapes with modified natural environments and anthropogenic environments, such as exotic pastures. In this study, we evaluated how conversion of native Cerrado vegetation to exotic pastures affects the dung beetle assemblages (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae). We sampled dung beetles in four areas of Cerrado (sensu stricto) and in four areas of exotic pastures (Urochloa spp.) in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In all, 7,544 individuals from 43 species of dung beetles were collected, and 19 species were found in both the Cerrado and exotic pastures. The abundance and species richness of dung beetles were higher in Cerrado remnants. Species composition differed between Cerrado and exotic pastures, where 11 species were classified as specialists of Cerrado, 10 species were considered specialists of exotic pastures, and 6 species were habitat generalists. Roller beetles were most negatively affected by exotic pasture establishment. We demonstrated that exotic pasture establishment has a negative impact on dung beetle assemblages in Brazilian Cerrado. The decline in abundance and richness of roller beetles has important implications for the understanding of ecosystem functioning because it can reduce the ecological functions performed by dung beetle assemblages in exotic pastures. Finally, the high number of dung beetle species shared between Cerrado and exotic pastures suggests that the Cerrado remnants is a fundamental requirement for the conservation of biodiversity of dung beetles in exotic pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado.
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Affiliation(s)
- César M A Correa
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Anderson Puker
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Rondônia, Colorado do Oeste, Rondônia, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Mato Grosso, Guarantã do Norte, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Alfredo R Abot
- Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Lim C, Kang JH, Park SH, Seok S, Bayartogtokh B, Bae YJ. Morphometric analysis of dung beetle (Gymnopleurus mopsus: Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) populations from two different biomes in Mongolia. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractStudying the phenotypic variation of organisms along environmental gradients can provide insight into the influences of specific environmental factors. Mongolia, which is distributed across three different biomes, is an ideal location for studying the mechanisms that underlie such phenotypic variation over a large range of climate. The present study examined the variation in shape and size of the body in a ball-rolling dung beetle, Gymnopleurus mopsus (Pallas), in Mongolia and investigated the effects of climate on the species’ morphology. A total of 290 individuals were collected from seven sites and were analysed using multivariate and regression approaches, as well as geometric morphometrics. Body shape and size varied across the study sites and between the different biomes. Populations from the desert-steppe region had thinner bodies and longer heads than those from the steppe region, possibly to facilitate burrowing. Variation in the species’ body size followed a pattern that was the converse of Bergmann’s rule and, thus, might increase heat capacity and enhance thermoregulation ability in the desert-steppe region. Accordingly, the results of the present study provide novel insight into the influence of climate on the variation of dung beetle phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changseob Lim
- Department of Environment Science and Ecological Engineering, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hyoun Kang
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Park
- Department of Environment Science and Ecological Engineering, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Seok
- Department of Environment Science and Ecological Engineering, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Badamdorj Bayartogtokh
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yeon Jae Bae
- Department of Environment Science and Ecological Engineering, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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Giménez Gómez VC, Verdú JR, Zurita GA. Thermal niche helps to explain the ability of dung beetles to exploit disturbed habitats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13364. [PMID: 32770033 PMCID: PMC7414905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70284-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In terrestrial ecosystems, insects face a wide range of temperatures among habitats and time; consequently, the thermal niche is one of the main determinants of habitat selection and temporal patterns of activity. The replacement of native forests changes micro-climatic conditions and reduces the diversity of dung beetles; however, the physiological mechanisms behind these changes are not clear. We explore the role of the thermal niche in dung beetles to explain the ability of native species to exploit human-created habitats. Using infrared thermography, we measured variables associated with the thermal niche in 17 native species and used linear mixed-effects model and ANOVAs to compare disturbed habitats and the native forest. Endothermy and body mass explained the ability of dung beetles to exploit human-created open habitats. Small and diurnal species with very low endothermy were able to exploit deforested open habitats; evening/nocturnal/crepuscular species showed similar body mass and high endothermy in all habitats. Regarding thermoregulation mechanisms, none of the species (except one) showed defined or efficient mechanisms of physiological thermoregulation. In view of the accelerated process of forest replacement and climate change, a more profound understanding of the physiological requirements of species is essential to predict and mitigate future extinctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Giménez Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Universidad Nacional de Misiones-CONICET, Bertoni 85, 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.
| | - José R Verdú
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación - Centro Iberoamericano de la Biodiversidad, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Zurita
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Universidad Nacional de Misiones-CONICET, Bertoni 85, 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Nacional de Misiones-CONICET, El Dorado, Misiones, Argentina
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Verdú JR, Cortez V, Oliva D, Giménez-Gómez V. Thermoregulatory syndromes of two sympatric dung beetles with low energy costs. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 118:103945. [PMID: 31520597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In heterotherm insects, endothermy implies a high energy cost due to the generation and regulation of body temperature during different activities such as flight, food location, fighting and even walking. We studied the thermoregulation process and the cost of the thermoregulation strategies in two sympatric dung beetles, Sulcophanaeus batesi and S. imperator under heat and cold stress conditions. We used a set of physiological variables to exemplify the capacity of thermolimit respirometry combined with infrared thermography to derive relevant variables capable of describing different thermoregulation syndromes. Habitat use and thermal niche differed notably between S. batesi and S. imperator, reflecting their contrasted thermal requirements. In S. imperator, thermal specialization for high temperatures was observed, being active mainly during the warmer period of the day. On the other hand, thermal adaptation in S. batesi allows its preference for cold exhibiting a morning activity periods, avoiding higher temperatures. The thermophilic strategy used by Sulcophanaeus imperator minimized the energy expenditure produced during the cooling of the body by respiration without thereby endangering higher thermal limits. In this case, S. batesi, the species with a preference for the coldest environments, presented the lowest thermal limits, although the energy cost needed to stay active during cooling was significantly lower than that in S. imperator. Sulcophanaeus imperator and S. batesi showed evident 'economizing' strategies associated with hot and cold environmental conditions, respectively. In contrast, if both species experience a deviation from their thermal optimum, a decrement in their performance could be produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Verdú
- I.U.I. CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante E-03690, Spain.
| | - Vieyle Cortez
- I.U.I. CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante E-03690, Spain
| | - Daniela Oliva
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica (CENIIT), Universidad Nacional de La Rioja, Av. Luis M. De La Fuente s/n, Ciudad de La Rioja 5300, Argentina
| | - Victoria Giménez-Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Universidad Nacional de Misiones-CONICET, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
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22
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Ferreira SC, da Silva PG, Paladini A, Di Mare RA. Climatic variables drive temporal patterns of α and β diversities of dung beetles. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 109:390-397. [PMID: 30178721 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485318000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms underpinning spatiotemporal diversity patterns of biological communities is a major goal of ecology. We aimed to test two ecological hypotheses: (i) temporal patterns of β-diversity will mostly be driven by nestedness, with a loss of species from summer to winter, and (ii) nestedness values will correlate with climatic variables instead of turnover values, indicating either a loss of species during winter or a gain of species during summer. We sampled dung beetles using standardized sampling protocols along a year in four Atlantic forest sites: two at the northwest and two at the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil. We partitioned temporal patterns of β-diversity into turnover and nestedness in order to investigate if community changes are driven by species substitution or gain/loss across time. Our results highlighted five main findings: (i) dung beetle composition varied more with sites than site geographic position; (ii) there was almost one and a half 'true' dung beetle assemblages regarding the spatial distribution of species weighed by abundance; (iii) we found a positive influence of mean temperature and a negative influence of relative humidity on both species richness and abundance; (iv) both spatial and temporal dissimilarity among sites were dominated by species replacement, while the relative importance of nestedness was higher in temporal than spatial patterns; (v) there was an effect of precipitation and relative humidity on temporal patterns of β-diversity components, but these effects were site-dependent. Contrary to our expectations, the β-diversity component of turnover dominated both spatial and temporal patterns in dung beetle dissimilarity among sites and months. Distinct climatic variables affected differently the α-diversity and β-diversity components of dung beetle assemblages. Partitioning β-diversity into temporal components is a promising approach to unveil patterns of the community dynamics and to produce insights on mechanisms underlying such patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal,Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,97110-970, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil
| | - P G da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre,Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais,31270-910, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais,Brazil
| | - A Paladini
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução,Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,97110-970, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil
| | - R A Di Mare
- Departamento de Biologia,Universidade Federal de Santa Maria,97110-970, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil
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Soto CS, Giombini MI, Giménez Gómez VC, Zurita GA. Phenotypic differentiation in a resilient dung beetle species induced by forest conversion into cattle pastures. Evol Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-019-09987-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gómez-Cifuentes A, Giménez Gómez VC, Moreno C, Zurita G. Tree retention in cattle ranching systems partially preserves dung beetle diversity and functional groups in the semideciduous Atlantic forest: The role of microclimate and soil conditions. Basic Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Giménez Gómez VC, Lomáscolo SB, Zurita GA, Ocampo F. Daily Activity Patterns and Thermal Tolerance of Three Sympatric Dung Beetle Species (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Eucraniini) from the Monte Desert, Argentina. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:821-827. [PMID: 29214545 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-017-0567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Tolerance to extreme temperatures, thermal limits, and the mechanisms of thermoregulation are related to internal functions of insects and partly define their ecological niche. We study the association between daily activity of dung beetles from the Monte Desert in Argentina and their tolerance to high temperatures. Results indicate that for all three sympatric species studied, Eucranium belenae Ocampo, Anomiopsoides cavifrons (Burmeister), and Anomiopsoides fedemariai Ocampo, daily activity is associated to ground temperature. Eucranium belenae is active when ground temperature is relatively low and it is less tolerant to long periods of activity at high temperatures in the lab, while A. cavifrons and A. fedemariai are active when ground temperatures are higher, and they tolerate high temperatures for longer periods of time than E. belenae in the lab. These species coexist and use similar food sources, and this eco-physiological study may help to explain how they differentiate under the same environmental conditions. The Monte Desert is considered an extreme environment, and studies on thermal tolerance offer testable predictions to understand how species would respond to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- V C Giménez Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Univ Nacional de Misiones - CONICET, Moisés Bertoni 85, 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas (IADIZA), CCT - CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - S B Lomáscolo
- Instituto de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas (IADIZA), CCT - CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología Regional, Residencia Universitaria Horco Molle, Univ Nacional de Tucumán, Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - G A Zurita
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Univ Nacional de Misiones - CONICET, Moisés Bertoni 85, 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Univ Nacional de Misiones, Eldorado, Misiones, Argentina
| | - F Ocampo
- Instituto de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas (IADIZA), CCT - CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
- AgIdea, Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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da Silva PG, Lobo JM, Hernández MIM. The role of habitat and daily activity patterns in explaining the diversity of mountain Neotropical dung beetle assemblages. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro G. da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia; Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; Florianópolis Santa Catarina Brazil
| | - Jorge M. Lobo
- Depto. de Biogeografía y Cambio Global; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, C.S.I.C.; Madrid Spain
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DeGregorio BA, Blouin-Demers G, Carfagno GL, Gibbons JW, Mullin SJ, Sperry JH, Willson JD, Wray K, Weatherhead PJ. Geographic variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism of North American Ratsnakes (Pantherophis spp. s.l.). CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Because body size affects nearly all facets of an organism’s life history, ecologists have long been interested in large-scale patterns of body-size variation, as well as why those large-scale patterns often differ between sexes. We explored body-size variation across the range of the sexually dimorphic Ratsnake complex (species of the genus Pantherophis Fitzinger, 1843 s.l.; formerly Elaphe obsoleta (Say in James, 1823)) in North America. We specifically explored whether variation in body size followed latitudinal patterns or varied with climatic variables. We found that body size did not conform to a climatic or latitudinal gradient, but instead, some of the populations with the largest snakes occurred near the core of the geographic range and some with the smallest occurred near the northern, western, and southern peripheries of the range. Males averaged 14% larger than females, although the degree of sexual size dimorphism varied between populations (range: 2%–25%). There was a weak trend for male body size to change in relation to temperature, whereas female body size did not. Our results indicate that relationships between climate and an ectotherm’s body size are more complicated than linear latitudinal clines and likely differ for males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A. DeGregorio
- Engineer Research and Development Center, 2902 Newmark Drive, Champaign, IL 61822, USA
| | - Gabriel Blouin-Demers
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie-Curie Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gerardo L.F. Carfagno
- Department of Biology, Manhattan College, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY 10471, USA
| | - J. Whitfield Gibbons
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Stephen J. Mullin
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, SFA Box 13003, Nacogdoches, TX 75962, USA
| | - Jinelle H. Sperry
- Engineer Research and Development Center, 2902 Newmark Drive, Champaign, IL 61822, USA
| | - John D. Willson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Kenny Wray
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Patrick J. Weatherhead
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 29801, USA
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Zermoglio PF, Castelo MK, Lazzari CR. Endothermy in the temperate scarab Cyclocephala signaticollis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 108:10-16. [PMID: 29684392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The increase in body temperature over that of the environment has been frequently reported in insects, in particular in relation with flight activity. Scarab beetles of the genus Cyclocephala living in tropical areas are known to exploit the heat produced by thermogenic plants, also producing heat by endothermy. Here, we report the first case of endothermy in a species of this genus living in a temperate region, Cyclocephala signaticollis. We characterised the phenomenon in this beetle using infrared thermography and exposing them to different thermal conditions. We evaluated the frequency of endothermic bouts, the nature of their periodic occurrence and their association with the activity cycles of the beetles. We found that endothermy occurs in both males and females in a cyclic fashion, at the beginning of the night, around 21:00 local time. The mean temperature increase was of 9 °C, and the mean duration of the bouts was 7 min. During endothermic bouts, the temperature of the thorax was on average 3.6 °C higher than that of the head and 4.8 °C above that of the abdomen. We found no differences between females and males in the maximum temperature attained and in the duration of the endothermy bouts. The activity period of the beetles extends throughout the whole night, with maximum activity between 22:00 and 23:00. By subjecting the beetles to different light regimes we were able to determine that the rhythm of endothermy is not controlled by the circadian system. Finally, we experimentally tested if by performing endothermy the scarabs try to reach a particular body temperature or if they invest a given amount of energy in heating up, instead. Our results indicate that at lower ambient temperature beetles show higher increase in body temperature, and that endothermy bouts last longer than at relatively higher ambient temperatures. We discuss our findings in relation to the ecology and behaviour of this beetle pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula F Zermoglio
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Instituto IEGEBA (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS, Université de Tours, France.
| | - Marcela K Castelo
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Instituto IEGEBA (CONICET-UBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio R Lazzari
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261 CNRS, Université de Tours, France
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Large herbivores affect forest ecosystem functions by altering the structure of dung beetle communities. ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Alves VM, Hernández MIM, Lobo JM. Elytra Absorb Ultraviolet Radiation but Transmit Infrared Radiation in Neotropical Canthon Species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae). Photochem Photobiol 2018; 94:532-539. [PMID: 29368396 DOI: 10.1111/php.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to deal with global radiation may be related to important aspects of species biology and ecology by reflecting, transmitting or absorbing the radiation of varying wavelengths differently. The elytra capacity to manage infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiations (from 185 to 1400 nm) was assessed with a spectrophotometric analysis in five Canthon species of dung beetles; we calculated the reflectance, transmittance and absorbance capacity of the elytra of these species. These species have different ecologies: two species preferentially inhabit forest areas (Canthon angularis and Canthon lividus lividus), two species preferentially inhabit open areas (Canthon chalybaeus and Canthon tetraodon) including agricultural crops, and one species does not present a clear habitat preference and can be found in both habitats (Canthon quinquemaculatus). All the species show a similar pattern in which the light from shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies is almost entirely absorbed by the elytra, while radiation from longer wavelengths and lower frequencies can mostly pass through the elytra. However, C. quinquemaculatus seems to have significantly higher rates of reflectance and transmittance in the visible- and near-infrared spectrum. This different pattern found in C. quinquemaculatus may be associated with its capacity to establish populations both in agricultural and forest areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Alves
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Malva I M Hernández
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Jorge M Lobo
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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Kuyucu AC, Sahin MK, Caglar SS. The relation between melanism and thermal biology in a colour polymorphic bush cricket, Isophya rizeensis. J Therm Biol 2018; 71:212-220. [PMID: 29301693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
According to the thermal melanism hypothesis, darker coloured melanic individuals heat up faster and to higher temperatures than lighter coloured individuals due to lower skin reflectance. Consequently, it is assumed that darker melanic types may be advantageous compared to light coloured types in colder regions. As temperature gradually decreases with elevation and latitude the degree of melanism is expected to increase along these gradients in ectothermic species. Isophya rizeensis, a colour polymorphic bush cricket species endemic to Northeastern Turkey is an interesting case since the degree of melanism decreases with elevation, contrary to the thermal melanism hypothesis. In order to investigate the relation between colouration and thermal biology of this species, body temperatures (Tb) of crickets from different colour morphs, environmental temperatures (Ta), solar radiation and vegetation height were measured to test the relation between these variables and thermoregulation. Field results showed that solar radiation was the most effective factor on temperature excess (Tex), the difference between body and ambient temperature. Additionally, Tex values showed negative correlation with vegetation height. Although Tex values did not differ significantly between colour morphs, paired experiments under sunlight showed that darker morphs heated up faster and attained higher body temperatures than light morphs. We conclude that, since higher Tex values at alpine short swards might also increase the risk of facing deleterious temperatures at high elevations, protection against overheating might be one of the factors responsible for this polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arda Cem Kuyucu
- Hacettepe University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Kursat Sahin
- Hacettepe University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selim Sualp Caglar
- Hacettepe University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara, Turkey
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32
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Amore V, Hernández MI, Carrascal LM, Lobo JM. Exoskeleton may influence the internal body temperatures of Neotropical dung beetles (Col. Scarabaeinae). PeerJ 2017; 5:e3349. [PMID: 28533987 PMCID: PMC5438579 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect exoskeleton is a multifunctional coat with a continuum of mechanical and structural properties constituting the barrier between electromagnetic waves and the internal body parts. This paper examines the ability of beetle exoskeleton to regulate internal body temperature considering its thermal permeability or isolation to simulated solar irradiance and infrared radiation. Seven Neotropical species of dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae) differing in colour, surface sculptures, size, sexual dimorphism, period of activity, guild category and altitudinal distribution were studied. Specimens were repeatedly subjected to heating trials under simulated solar irradiance and infrared radiation using a halogen neodymium bulb light with a balanced daylight spectrum and a ceramic infrared heat emitter. The volume of exoskeleton and its weight per volume unit were significantly more important for the heating rate at the beginning of the heating process than for the asymptotic maximum temperature reached at the end of the trials: larger beetles with relatively thicker exoskeletons heated more slowly. The source of radiation greatly influences the asymptotic temperature reached, but has a negligible effect in determining the rate of heat gain by beetles: they reached higher temperatures under artificial sunlight than under infrared radiation. Interspecific differences were negligible in the heating rate but had a large magnitude effect on the asymptotic temperature, only detectable under simulated sun irradiance. The fact that sun irradiance is differentially absorbed dorsally and transformed into heat among species opens the possibility that differences in dorsal exoskeleton would facilitate the heat gain under restrictive environmental temperatures below the preferred ones. The findings provided by this study support the important role played by the exoskeleton in the heating process of beetles, a cuticle able to act passively in the thermal control of body temperature without implying energetic costs and metabolic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Amore
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Malva I.M. Hernández
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luis M. Carrascal
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge M. Lobo
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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Gallego B, Verdú JR, Carrascal LM, Lobo JM. A protocol for analysing thermal stress in insects using infrared thermography. J Therm Biol 2016; 56:113-21. [PMID: 26857985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study of insect responses to thermal stress has involved a variety of protocols and methodologies that hamper the ability to compare results between studies. For that reason, the development of a protocol to standardize thermal assays is necessary. In this sense, infrared thermography solves some of the problems allowing us to take continuous temperature measurements without handling the individuals, an important fact in cold-blooded organisms like insects. Here, we present a working protocol based on infrared thermography to estimate both cold and heat thermal stress in insects. We analyse both the change in the body temperature of individuals and their behavioural response. In addition, we used partial least squares regression for the statistical analysis of our data, a technique that solves the problem of having a large number of variables and few individuals, allowing us to work with rare or endemic species. To test our protocol, we chose two species of congeneric, narrowly distributed dung beetles that are endemic to the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. With our protocol we have obtained five variables in the response to cold and twelve in the response to heat. With this methodology we discriminate between the two flightless species of Jekelius through their thermal response. In response to cold, Jekelius hernandezi showed a higher rate of cooling and reached higher temperatures of stupor and haemolymph freezing than Jekelius punctatolineatus. Both species displayed similar thermoregulation ranges before reaching lethal body temperature with heat stress. Overall, we have demonstrated that infrared thermography is a suitable method to assess insect thermal responses with a high degree of sensitivity, allowing for the discrimination between closely related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Gallego
- I.U.I. CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03080 Alicante, Spain; Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, José Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - José R Verdú
- I.U.I. CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, 03080 Alicante, Spain
| | - Luis M Carrascal
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, José Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge M Lobo
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, José Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
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Schuster RK, Sivakumar S, Ismail AA, Baumann MPO. Scarabaeus cristatus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) as intermediate host of Physocephalus dromedarii (Nematoda: Spirocercidae)--a contribution to the epidemiology of camel physocephalidosis. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1161-6. [PMID: 26621282 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In UAE, camel Physocephalus dromedarii was diagnosed for the first time in 2011 in dromedaries from a farm that previously had imported animals from foreign countries. The large scarab beetle, Scarabaeus cristatus, was found to be the major intermediate host for this parasite in Dubai. A total of 638 specimens of S. cristatus were collected and examined for the presence of third-stage larvae of nematode larvae at two sites in the Dubai Emirate (Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products and horse endurance training track) within a distance of 15 km. Third-stage larvae of P. dromedarii were detected in 94 and 97 % of beetles collected from the territory of the camel milk farm and the endurance training track, respectively. In addition to third-stage larvae, 264 beetles contained second-stage larvae. Only four beetles were infected with other than P. dromedarii larvae. The average larval burden in beetles from camel milk farm was significantly higher compared to those in beetles collected from the other site (1538 vs. 697). Comparison of larval burdens in juvenile and adult beetles collected at the camel milk farm showed a significantly higher intensity in adult specimens (501 vs. 1734) while in beetles found on the horse endurance track, larval burdens were comparable (548 vs. 858). The results suggest that S. cristatus become infected at the camel milk farm, and in search for other sources of food, they fly to places where they were found feeding on feces of other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf K Schuster
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Saritha Sivakumar
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, PO Box 597, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akhmad A Ismail
- Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products, PO Box 294236, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maximilian P O Baumann
- FAO Reference Centre for Veterinary Public Health (VPH), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163, Berlin, Germany
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da Silva PG, Hernández MIM. Spatial patterns of movement of dung beetle species in a tropical forest suggest a new trap spacing for dung beetle biodiversity studies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126112. [PMID: 25938506 PMCID: PMC4418735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A primary goal of community ecologists is to understand the processes underlying the spatiotemporal patterns of species distribution. Understanding the dispersal process is of great interest in ecology because it is related to several mechanisms driving community structure. We investigated the mobility of dung beetles using mark-release-recapture technique, and tested the usefulness of the current recommendation for interaction distance between baited pitfall traps in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We found differences in mean movement rate between Scarabaeinae species, and between species with different sets of ecological traits. Large-diurnal-tunneler species showed greater mobility than did both large-nocturnal tunneler and roller species. Our results suggest that, based on the analyses of the whole community or the species with the highest number of recaptured individuals, the minimum distance of 50 m between pairs of baited pitfall traps proposed roughly 10 years ago is inadequate. Dung beetle species with different sets of ecological traits may differ in their dispersal ability, so we suggest a new minimum distance of 100 m between pairs of traps to minimize interference between baited pitfall traps for sampling copronecrophagous Scarabaeinae dung beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Giovâni da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Malva Isabel Medina Hernández
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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36
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Medina AM, Lopes PP. Resource Utilization and Temporal Segregation of Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) Community in a Caatinga Fragment. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2014; 43:127-133. [PMID: 27193519 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-014-0198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
We characterized dung beetles food preference and diel activity and examined the way such characteristics may structure a Scarabaeinae community in a dry forest. We sampled a fragment of Arboreal Caatinga in Milagres, Bahia, Brazil, during the dry and wet seasons, using baited pitfall (bovine spleen, human feces, cow dung, and rotten banana). Species were classified by activity (nocturnal and diurnal) and food preference (coprophagous, necrophagous, saprophagous, copro-necrophagous, and generalist). In total, 1,581 individuals belonging to 16 morphospecies were sampled, with six new records for Caatinga. The dung beetles were mainly from generalist and coprophagous species; seven species presented nocturnal activity, and five were diurnal. There was higher species richness during the day and greater abundance during the night. Species composition differences were influenced by functional guilds and beetle size according to temporal segregation. These factors may be related to physiological, morphological, and behavioral differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Medina
- Depto de Ciências Biológicas, Univ Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Depto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil.
| | - P P Lopes
- Depto de Ciências Biológicas, Univ Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil
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Nichols E, Uriarte M, Bunker DE, Favila ME, Slade EM, Vulinec K, Larsen T, Vaz-de-Mello FZ, Louzada J, Naeem S, Spector SH. Trait-dependent response of dung beetle populations to tropical forest conversion at local and regional scales. Ecology 2013; 94:180-9. [PMID: 23600252 DOI: 10.1890/12-0251.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Comparative analyses that link information on species' traits, environmental change, and organism response have rarely identified unambiguous trait correlates of vulnerability. We tested if species' traits could predict local-scale changes in dung beetle population response to three levels of forest conversion intensity within and across two biogeographic regions (the Neotropics and Afro-Eurasian tropics). We combined biodiversity surveys, a global molecular phylogeny, and information on three species' traits hypothesized to influence vulnerability to forest conversion to examine (1) the consistency of beetle population response across regions, (2) if species' traits could predict this response, and (3) the cross-regional consistency of trait-response relationships. Most beetle populations declined following any degree of forest conversion; these declines were strongest for Neotropical species. The relationship between traits and population trend was greatly influenced by local and biogeographic context. We discuss the ability of species' traits to explain population trends and suggest several ways to strengthen trait-response models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Nichols
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.
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Herzog SK, Hamel-Leigue AC, Larsen TH, Mann DJ, Soria-Auza RW, Gill BD, Edmonds WD, Spector S. Elevational distribution and conservation biogeography of phanaeine dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in Bolivia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64963. [PMID: 23717678 PMCID: PMC3661563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect macroecology and conservation biogeography studies are disproportionately scarce, especially in the Neotropics. Dung beetles are an ideal focal taxon for biodiversity research and conservation. Using distribution and body size data on the ecologically important Phanaeini, the best-known Neotropical dung beetle tribe, we determined elevational patterns of species richness, endemism, body size, and elevational range in Bolivia, specifically testing Bergmann’s and Rapoport’s rule. Richness of all 39 species and of 15 ecoregional endemics showed a hump-shaped pattern peaking at 400 m, but overall declined strongly with elevation up to 4000 m. The relationship between endemic and total species richness appeared to be curvilinear, providing only partial support for the null hypothesis that species-rich areas are more likely to be centers of endemism by chance alone. An elevational increase in the proportion of ecoregional endemics suggests that deterministic factors also appear to influence endemism in the Andes. When controlling for the effect of area using different species-area relationships, the statistically significant richness peak became more pronounced and shifted upslope to 750 m. Larger species did not have higher elevational mid-points, and mean body size decreased significantly with elevation, contradicting Bergmann’s rule. Rapoport’s rule was supported: species with higher elevational mid-points had broader elevational ranges, and mean elevational range increased significantly with elevation. The elevational decrease of phanaeine richness is in accordance with studies that demonstrated the combined influence of temperature and water availability on species diversity, but also is consistent with niche conservatism. For invertebrates, confirmation of Rapoport’s and refutation of Bergmann’s rule appear to be scale-invariant general patterns. Analyses of biogeographic patterns across elevational gradients can provide important insights for identifying conservation priorities. Phanaeines with narrow elevational ranges on isolated low-elevation mountains in eastern Bolivia are at greatest climate-change related extinction risk from range-shift gaps and mountaintop extinctions.
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Verdú JR, Alba-Tercedor J, Jiménez-Manrique M. Evidence of different thermoregulatory mechanisms between two sympatric Scarabaeus species using infrared thermography and micro-computer tomography. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33914. [PMID: 22442735 PMCID: PMC3307782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In endotherms insects, the thermoregulatory mechanisms modulate heat transfer from the thorax to the abdomen to avoid overheating or cooling in order to obtain a prolonged flight performance. Scarabaeus sacer and S. cicatricosus, two sympatric species with the same habitat and food preferences, showed daily temporal segregation with S. cicatricosus being more active during warmer hours of the day in opposition to S. sacer who avoid it. In the case of S. sacer, their endothermy pattern suggested an adaptive capacity for thorax heat retention. In S. cicatricosus, an active 'heat exchanger' mechanism was suggested. However, no empirical evidence had been documented until now. Thermographic sequences recorded during flight performance showed evidence of the existence of both thermoregulatory mechanisms. In S. sacer, infrared sequences showed a possible heat insulator (passive thermal window), which prevents heat transfer from meso- and metathorax to the abdomen during flight. In S. cicatricosus, infrared sequences revealed clear and effective heat flow between the thorax and abdomen (abdominal heat transfer) that should be considered the main mechanism of thermoregulation. This was related to a subsequent increase in abdominal pumping (as a cooling mechanism) during flight. Computer microtomography scanning, anatomical dissections and internal air volume measurements showed two possible heat retention mechanisms for S. sacer; the abdominal air sacs and the development of the internal abdominal sternites that could explain the thermoregulation between thorax and abdomen. Our results suggest that interspecific interactions between sympatric species are regulated by very different mechanisms. These mechanisms create unique thermal niches for the different species, thereby preventing competition and modulating spatio-temporal distribution and the composition of dung beetle assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- José R Verdú
- I.U.I. Centro Iberoamericano de la Biodiversidad (CIBIO), Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
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Diversity and body size of dung beetles attracted to different dung types along a tropical land-use gradient in Sulawesi, Indonesia. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467409990423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Dung beetles are a functionally important component of most terrestrial ecosystems, but communities change with habitat disturbance and deforestation. In this study, we tested if dung beetle ensembles on dung of introduced cattle and of the endemic anoa, a small buffalo, are affected differentially by habitat disturbance. Therefore, we exposed 10 pitfall traps, five baited with anoa and five baited with cattle dung, per site in six habitat types ranging from natural and selectively logged rain forest to three types of agroforestry system (characterized by different management intensity) and open areas (n = 4 replicate sites per habitat type) at the margin of Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. We found 28 species, 43% of which were endemic to Sulawesi. Species richness, abundance and biomass declined from natural forest towards open area. Large-bodied species appeared to be more sensitive to habitat disturbance and the ratio of large to small-sized dung beetles declined with land-use intensity. Although selectively logged forest and cocoa agroforestry systems had lower species richness compared with natural forest, they appeared to maintain a high portion of species originally inhabiting forest sites. The similarity of dung beetle ensembles recorded at forest and agroforestry sites reflects the high similarity of some habitat variables (e.g. vegetation structure and microclimate) between both habitat types compared with open areas. Species richness and abundances as well as species composition, which was characterized by decreases in mean body size, changed with land-use intensity, indicating that dung type is less important than habitat type for determining ensemble structure of these Indonesian dung beetles.
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Seymour RS, White CR, Gibernau M. Endothermy of dynastine scarab beetles (Cyclocephala colasi)associated with pollination biology of a thermogenic arum lily(Philodendron solimoesense). J Exp Biol 2009; 212:2960-8. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.032763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYCyclocephala colasi beetles are facultative endotherms that spend most of their adult lives inside the inflorescences of Philodendron solimoesense, where ambient temperature (Ta) averages about 28°C due to floral thermogenesis. Measurements of respiration within a range of Ta showed that active beetles became spontaneously endothermic at Ta below 28°C but were rarely endothermic above it. There was no evidence of endothermy within the inflorescences, indicating that activities in the floral chamber can occur without the high energy expense of endothermy. Bouts of endothermy occurred at lower Ta in respirometer chambers mainly in the evening,when the insects normally fly from one inflorescence to another, and during the night, when they normally eat and mate within the inflorescence. Patterns of endothermy in individual episodes were studied in non-flying beetles with respirometry and infrared thermal imaging. Heat was generated in the thorax by oscillatory waves of respiration that were coupled with thoracic temperature(Tth) increases. Stationary beetles could regulate Tth at about 33°C independently of Ta between 16 and 29°C. At Ta=20°C, this represents a 116-fold increase in metabolic rate over resting, ectothermic values. Endothermy was clearly a requirement for flight, and beetles departing inflorescences warmed to about 30°C before take-off. During flight, Tth was dependent on Ta, decreasing from 37 to 28°C at Ta of 37 to 20°C, respectively. The lowest Ta at which flight could occur was about 20°C. Thermal conductance of stationary, endothermic beetles increased at higher metabolic rates, probably because of increased ventilatory heat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S. Seymour
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences,Darling Building, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Craig R. White
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072,Australia
| | - Marc Gibernau
- Laboratoire d'Evolution et Diversité Biologique UMR 5174,Université Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, Cedex 9, France
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Jacot A, Scheuber H, Holzer B, Otti O, Brinkhof MWG. Diel variation in a dynamic sexual display and its association with female mate-searching behaviour. Proc Biol Sci 2008; 275:579-85. [PMID: 18089535 PMCID: PMC2596816 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2007.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Revised: 11/27/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic sexual signals often show a diel rhythm and may vary substantially with time of day. Diel and short-term fluctuations in such sexual signals pose a puzzle for condition capture models of mate choice, which assume a female preference for male traits that reliably reflect a male's quality. Here we experimentally manipulated the food supply of individual male field crickets Gryllus campestris in their natural habitat in two consecutive seasons to determine (i) the effect of male nutritional condition on the fine-scaled variation of diel investment in acoustic signalling and (ii) the temporal association between the diel variation in male signalling and female mate-searching behaviour. Overall food-supplemented males signalled more often, but the effect was only visible during the daytime. In the evening and the night, signal output was still high but the time spent signalling was unrelated to a male's nutritional condition. Females' mate-searching behaviour also showed a diel rhythm with peak activity during the afternoon, when differences among calling males were highest, and where signal output reliably reflects male quality. These findings suggest that males differing in nutritional condition may optimize their investment in signalling in relation to time of day as to maximize mating success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Jacot
- Division of Evolutionary Ecology, Zoological Institute, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032, Hinterkappelen, Switzerland.
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