内蒙古典型草原粪食性金龟的取食偏好和日活动节律特征

【目的】为研究内蒙古典型草原粪食性金龟对放牧牲畜粪的取食偏好和日活动节律特征。【方法】2010年6、8和10月,以3种放牧牲畜(牛、马和羊)鲜粪块为诱饵,采用诱捕法采集粪食性金龟。【结果】内蒙古典型草原粪食性金龟显示对3种放牧牲畜(牛、马和羊)粪块的多食性特征,但不同功能群或不同物种显示不同取食偏好以及不同的日活动节律特征。中型掘洞型粪食性金龟(如小驼嗡蜣螂Onthophagus gibbulus、黑缘嗡蜣螂O.marginalis nigrimargo和游荡蜉金龟Aphodius erraticus)显示对牛粪的取食偏好、以及昼行性行为特征;中型和小型粪居型粪食性金龟(如马粪蜉金龟A.subterraneus、泥蜉金龟A.sordescens和符号蜉金龟A.comma等)则偏好取食马粪,小型粪居型粪食性金龟(如符号蜉金龟)有全天活动的行为特征。【结论】在内蒙古典型草原粪食性金龟取食偏好和日活动节律的形成和进化中,体型和行为特征是主要内因,牲畜粪块的外形和理化性质、以及季节更替中的气温变化是重要外因。     

松嫩草地牛粪中大型节肢动物种类组成及种群动态变化

研究并分析了松嫩草地牛粪中大型节肢动物种类组成及动态变化.结果表明,在草地牛粪中共调查到大型节肢动物7目20科43种,以鞘翅目、膜翅目和双翅目为主.依其食性不同,分为粪食性型(8科19种)、腐食性型(4科4种)、植食性型(4科6种)、捕食性型(5科11种)、杂食性型(2科5种)、尸食性型(1科1种)和寄生性型(1科1种).根据鞘翅目金龟总科中营粪食性型生活的粪甲虫对牛粪利用方式的不同,分为外生粪甲虫(6种)、内生粪甲虫(5种)、远生粪甲虫(2种)和偷窃寄生粪甲虫(1种).除了双顶嗡蜣螂,牛粪中大型节肢动物数量与鲜牛粪重量具有显著正相关关系(p＜0.01).粪食性型种类数和个体数量随鲜牛粪堆置时间的延长而迅速减少,7d后消失,其个体总数量与鲜牛粪堆积时间呈显著的负相关关系(p＜0.01),而与牛粪含水量呈显著正相关关系(p＜0.01),各种大型节肢动物因其食性不同在鲜牛粪中占据不同的生态位.鲜牛粪中大型节肢动物以粪食性型占绝对优势,而干牛粪中则以捕食性型和杂食性型为主.牛粪中大型节肢动物种群季节动态变化受温度、降水量与牛粪含水量影响,鲜牛粪中大型节肢动物优势种为直蜉金龟(69.25%)和肖秋家蝇与东方角蝇幼虫(25.12%).4、5、6月份和9月份,优势种为直蜉金龟,7月和8月份,优势种为蝇幼虫.     

三种圈养草食性野生动物粪便对 粪食性金龟的引诱效果

圈养草食性野生动物产生的大量粪便堆积容易造成环境污染,且处理耗时耗力。如果能筛选、利用粪食性金龟对草食性野生动物粪便进行处理,无疑具有一定的应用价值。本研究于2019年8和9月,以南京红山森林动物园3种圈养草食性野生动物,亚洲象（Elephas maximus）、黇鹿（Dama dama）和长颈鹿（Giraffa camelopardalis）的新鲜粪便为诱饵,在南京紫金山研究了粪便对粪食性金龟的引诱效果。本实验分为2个阶段,第1阶段采用更换陷阱法,第2阶段采用放置陷阱法,采用单因素方差分析（One-way ANOVA）对粪食性金龟诱捕数量进行检验。第1阶段更换陷阱法共引诱采集粪食性金龟4 597头,隶属于1科5属7种,优势种为中华嗡蜣螂（Onthophagus sinicus）和短亮凯蜣螂（Caccobius brevis）,占总捕获量的比例分别为48.79%和30.95%。第2阶段放置陷阱法共引诱采集粪食性金龟3 512头,同样隶属于1科5属7种,物种与阶段1实验结果相同。粪食性金龟对3种野生动物粪便显示多食性特征,在3种粪便中取食活动的有效时间段主要集中在1 ~ 2 d内,活动时间较短,粪便放置第7天,基本不存在粪食性金龟的活动。粪食性金龟群落的Shannon-Wiener多样性指数和Pielou均匀度指数在亚洲象粪便中相对较高。本研究表明,动物园3种圈养草食性野生动物粪便对粪食性金龟具有较好的引诱效果,未来需进一步研究粪食性金龟对粪便的处理效果。     

腐食性金龟甲成虫口器形态学研究(鞘翅目:金龟总科)

选取粪金龟、皮金龟、蜉金龟、驼金龟、金龟和红金龟6个腐食性金龟科中的6个代表种,解剖口器并描述各部分形态特征和绘图;在比较形态学研究基础上,对金龟甲口器各部分的形态变化及其与食性的关系进行了初步推断。     

直蜉金龟三龄幼虫形态学研究

直蜉金龟Phaeaphodius rectus(Motschulsky)是一种常见的粪食性甲虫,广泛分布于亚洲东部地区,其幼虫粪食性,对降解牲畜粪便具有重要意义。本研究通过采集和人工饲养获得了直蜉金龟卵、幼虫和蛹,运用扫描电子显微技术,对直蜉金龟3龄幼虫进行了形态观察。直蜉金龟3龄幼虫具有一系列特殊的超微形态特征,包括:内唇前惊刺由三叉状、二叉状及独立不分叉的3种惊刺组成;端感区具有一对三瓣状感器;覆毛区钩状刚毛形态为片状。     

捕食性颏花金龟口器形态的适应进化及功能研究(鞘翅目:金龟科:花金龟亚科)

颏花金龟为捕食性,是花金龟亚科12族中食性最为特殊的类群,以其下唇的前颏极度扩大而得名。依据捕食对象及对应形态变异类型的不同,其可分为蚁食性和蚜食性两类。由于颏花金龟的食性异于其他种类花金龟的植食性,栖息环境也有极大的不同,故其口器适应进化出诸多形态类型。通过比较颏花金龟、花金龟亚科其他种类、其他植食性金龟(丽金龟和犀金龟两个亚科为代表)以及典型肉食性甲虫口器的形态,对颏花金龟口器特殊结构及功能进行了分析,并初步探索了取食机制及颏花金龟的生存策略。     

半干旱草原大中型土壤动物在畜粪分解中的作用

土壤动物是陆地生态系统的重要组分, 在有机质分解过程中具有重要作用。目前有关土壤动物在生态系统分解中的作用研究主要聚焦于植物凋落物的分解, 而对动物粪便分解的研究稀少。本研究在内蒙古典型草原设置了马粪和牛粪分解原位实验, 使用不同孔径的金属隔离网排除不同体型大小的土壤动物, 通过测定大中型土壤动物对畜粪分解过程中质量损失、碳氮含量和微生物呼吸以及土壤养分动态变化的影响, 解析其在分解中的作用。设置5个处理, 即CK, 仅土壤, 无粪; T0, 粪添加+0.425 mm隔离网(排除了粪居型和掘洞型粪金龟和中型土壤动物); T1, 粪添加+1 mm隔离网(排除了粪居型和掘洞型粪金龟); T2, 粪添加+2 mm隔离网(排除了掘洞型粪金龟); T3, 仅粪添加(不排除土壤动物)。结果表明: (1)在畜粪分解60天内, 土壤动物对畜粪的干质量损失没有显著的促进作用(P > 0.05); 相反, 在畜粪分解360天, 不隔离土壤动物处理(T3)显著地提高了牛粪干质量损失(P < 0.05), 而降低了马粪干质量损失(P < 0.05)。(2)在畜粪分解的60天内, 畜粪中碳和氮含量下降速度在有土壤动物存在的情况下(T3)快于隔离土壤动物(T0和T1)。(3)两种畜粪添加增加了土壤微生物的呼吸, 且这种增加趋势在实验的第15天和第30天在土壤动物存在时(T3)最明显。(4)与对照(CK)相比, 马粪添加处理提高了土壤速效氮、有机碳的含量和土壤含水量, 且这种增加趋势在排除掘洞型粪金龟(T2)和不排除土壤动物(T3)条件下表现更显著(P < 0.05), 而牛粪添加处理没有明显改变这些指标(P > 0.05)。研究表明, 分解初期粪金龟的取食和活动会改变畜粪的理化性质, 进而影响分解后期土壤生物在畜粪分解中的作用。     

内蒙古典型草原家畜粪中的粪金龟子群落特征

2008年6月-2009年9月,在内蒙古典型草原放牧区,分析了马、牛和羊鲜粪中粪金龟子的物种多样性、群落结构、功能群和取食偏好.共捕获粪金龟子7805头,隶属于3科4属32种,优势种为符号蜉金龟(Aphodius comma)、游荡蜉金龟(Aphodius erraticus)和泥蜉金龟(aphodius sordec...     

土壤生态系统与农田蛴螬发生的关系及其综合防治的途径

蛴螬是鞘翅目金龟科幼虫的总称,作为土壤生态系统的成员,一部分粪食性金龟(蜣螂)取食利用动植物残体,完成生态系统的物质代谢与能量循环,参与土壤腐殖质化过程,另一部分植食性金龟(蛴螬)咀食植物组织(包括根、茎、叶、果实),获取能量,生长繁殖,组成生态系统的初级食物链,构成生态平衡的基本成分。近20年来,由于多种因素的影响,生态平衡受到破坏,农田蛴螬数量普遍上升,危害严重。在粮油作物产区不断采取单一的化防措施后,有些优势种群仍处于持续发展     

北京东灵山地区金龟群落物种组成及多样性变化

本文研究了北京西部东灵山地区金龟群落的物种组成和多样性变化。选择 11种不同的生境类型 ,分别代表该地区的植被类型与环境变化 ;野外取样重复 3年 (1998～ 2 0 0 0年 ) ,共获得金龟标本 172 1号 ,其中 ,腐食性金龟有6属 2 0种 ,占总数的 89.2 % ,植食性金龟有 2 0属 2 6种 ,占总数的 10 .8%。分别按样地内腐食性和植食性金龟的种类和数量对生境进行主成分分析排序 ,以及按样地内物种种类对生境进行系统聚类分析 ,两者的计算结果基本一致 ,可以将东灵山地区的生境类型划分为 3组 :即梨园岭退耕区的灌丛植被、小龙门林区的森林植被和东灵山主峰区的亚高山植被 ,梨园岭退耕区的辽东栎 (Quercusliaotungensis)萌生丛被合并到小龙门林区森林植被类型中 ,反映了海拔高度和植被类型可能是决定该地区金龟群落组成和分布的主要因素。对这 3组生境类型内的金龟群落进行物种多样性分析 :腐食性和植食性金龟的个体数量、物种丰富度 (S)及多样性指数 (H′)的变化趋势相似 ,均以灌丛植被内较高 ,而在亚高山植被内较低。腐食性金龟的均匀度指数 (J)在森林植被内较高 ,在亚高山植被内较低 ;而植食性金龟的均匀度指数在亚高山植被内较高 ,灌丛内较低。比较常见种的生境选择 ,并进行种间的相关分析 ,可以看出 :腐食性金     

Evolutionary constraints in hind wing shape in Chinese dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae)

This study examines the evolution hindwing shape in Chinese dung beetle species using morphometric and phylogenetic analyses. Previous studies have analyzed the evolution of wing shape within a single or very few species, or by comparing only a few wing traits. No study has analyzed wing shape evolution of a large number of species, or quantitatively compared morphological variation of wings with proposed phylogenetic relationships. This study examines the morphological variation of hindwings based on 19 landmarks, 119 morphological characters, and 81 beetle species. Only one most parsimonious tree (MPT) was found based on 119 wing and body characters. To better understand the possible role of the hindwing in the evolution of Scarabaeinae, additional phylogenetic analyses were proposed based on the only body features (106 characters, wing characters excluded). Two MPT were found based on 106 body characters, and five nodes were collapsed in a strict consensus. There was a strong correlation between the morphometric tree and all phylogenetic trees (r>0.5). Reconstructions of the ancestral wing forms suggest that Scarabaeinae hindwing morphology has not changed substantially over time, but the morphological changes that do occur are focused at the base of the wing. These results suggest that flight has been important since the origin of Scarabaeinae, and that variation in hindwing morphology has been limited by functional constraints. Comparison of metric disparity values and relative evolutionary sequences among Scarabaeinae tribes suggest that the primitive dung beetles had relatively diverse hindwing morphologies, while advanced dung beetles have relatively similar wing morphologies. The strong correlation between the morphometric tree and phylogenetic trees suggest that hindwing features reflect the evolution of whole body morphology and that wing characters are suitable for the phylogenetic analyses. By integrating morphometric and cladistic approaches, this paper sheds new light on the evolution of dung beetle hind wings.     

Patch size and colonisation patterns: an experimental analysis using north temperate coprophagous dung beetles

The relationship between dung pad size and both adult colonisation and larval development was investigated in an assemblage of north temperate dung beetles ( Geotrupes. Aphodius and Sphaeridium ) using both dung pads and baited pitfall traps. Wet weight of 22-day-old natural dung pads was found to vary widely in the field (< 100 g – >1000 g). Across all sampling dates in field experiments, dung pad size had a significant influence on dung beetle biomass sampled from pads. Closer examination of experimental dung pads on the second day after deposition, when beetle biomass was at a maximum, revealed not only a general positive relationship between pad size and dung beetle biomass but, more importantly, a positive relationship between dung pad size and dung beetle density (dung beetle biomass per unit dung volume). There was a strong trend for Aphodius species richness to increase, and maintain higher values for longer periods of time, in larger pads. Although dung pad and pitfall trap samples could differ in the actual numbers of beetles captured, the relationship between different dung sizes and dung beetle biomass was similar, indicating that the phenomenon is largely related to immigration processes. Pat residence times oi A. rufipes in the laboratory were significantly positively correlated with dung pad size. In two field experiments, positive correlations were found between dung pad size and numbers of larvae in pads of different sizes and in one of these experiments, larval densities (numbers per unit dung volume) were significantly and positively correlated with dung pad size. In one experiment, Aphodius larvae in the early stages of development were found to preferentially occupy the basal area of dung pads. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of resource utilisation by north temperate dung beetles.     

Co‐declining mammal–dung beetle faunas throughout the Atlantic Forest biome of South America

The millennial–scale evolutionary relationships between mammals and dung beetles have been eroded due to several drivers of contemporary biodiversity loss. Although some evidence of co‐decline has been shown for mammals and dung beetles at some Neotropical sites, a biome‐scale analysis for the entire Atlantic Forest of South America would strengthen our understanding of how relictual sets of mammal species can affect dung beetle co‐occurrences and co‐declines. We therefore collated hundreds of assemblages of both dung beetles and medium‐ to large‐bodied mammals throughout the world's longest tropical forest latitudinal gradient to examine to what extent mammal assemblages may exert a positive influence on dung beetle species composition and functional assembly, and whether this relationship is scale dependent. We also collated several climatic and other environmental variables to examine the degree to which they shape mammal–dung beetle relationships. The relationships between local mammal and dung beetle faunas were examined using regression models, variation partitioning, dissimilarity indices and ecological networks. We found a clear positive relationship between mammal and dung beetle species richness across this forest biome, indicating an ongoing process of mammal–dung beetle niche‐mediated co‐decline. We found a strong relationship between the species composition of both taxa, in which dung beetle species dissimilarity apparently track changes in mammalian dissimilarity, typically in 80% of all cases. Co‐variables such as phytomass and climatic variables also influenced mammal–dung beetle patterns of co‐decline along the Atlantic Forest. We conclude that dung beetle diversity and community assembly are shaped by the remaining co‐occurring mammal assemblages and their functional traits, and both groups were governed by environmental features. We emphasize that ecosystem‐wide effects of mammal population declines remain poorly understood both quantitatively and qualitatively, and curbing large vertebrate defaunation will ensure the persistence of co‐dependent species.     

Effects of dung-pad conditions and density on coprophagous beetle assemblages in a Mediterranean rangeland

Dung beetles highly depend on the ephemeral microhabitat dung which is food resource and larval habitat at the same time. Environmental conditions surrounding a dung pad, such as vegetation structure, have an impact on dung beetle assemblages. We investigated the influence of dung conditions and surrounding habitat characteristics on Mediterranean dung beetle assemblages in a permanently grazed landscape in northern Sardinia. We sampled the dung beetle assemblages of donkey and horse dung in three different vegetation types and assessed species richness and abundance of dung beetles. Species richness was determined by dung and surrounding habitat conditions, whereas abundance was solely affected by dung conditions. However, species richness and abundance decreased with increasing dung density. The effect of dung density on species richness varied depending on vegetation type, with dry grassland exhibiting the highest number of dung beetles species at high dung density. Species composition in dung pads was influenced by abiotic factors with dwellers being negatively affected by increasing dung-pad temperature. Our results underline the importance of diverse vegetation, particularly with respect to the complexity of vegetation which interrelates with the microclimate. Furthermore, our findings illustrate the negative effect of high dung densities on dung beetle assemblages, suggesting that the degree of the intensity of use by grazing animals is important when considering measures for the conservation of dung beetles.     

Diversity, distinctiveness and conservation status of the Mediterranean coastal dung beetle assemblage in the Regional Natural Park of the Camargue (France)

The Mediterranean region as a whole has the highest dung beetle species richness within Europe. Natural coastal habitats in this region are among those which have suffered severe human disturbance. We studied dung beetle diversity and distinctiveness within one of the most important coastal protected areas in the west Euro‐Mediterranean region (the regional Park of Camargue, southern France) and made comparisons of dung beetle assemblages with other nearby Mediterranean localities, as well as with other coastal protected area (Doñana National Park, Spain). Our finding showed that: (1) The species richness of coastal habitats in the Camargue is low and only grasslands showed a similar level of species richness and abundance to inland habitats of other Mediterranean localities. The unique habitats of the coastal area (beaches, dunes and marshes) are largely colonized by species widely distributed in the hinterland. (2) In spite of their low general distinctiveness, dune and marsh edges are characterized by the occurrence of two rare, vulnerable, specialized and large roller dung beetle species of the genus Scarabaeus. As with other Mediterranean localities, current findings suggest a recent decline of Scarabaeus populations and the general loss of coastal dung beetle communities in Camargue. (3) The comparison of dung beetle assemblages between the Camargue and Doñana shows that, in spite of the low local dung beetle species richness in the Camargue, the regional dung beetle diversity is similar between both protected areas. Unique historical and geographical factors can explain the convergence in regional diversity as well as the striking divergence in the composition of dung beetle assemblages between both territories.     

Factors influencing duiker dung decay in north‐east Gabon: are dung beetles hiding duikers?

We analysed seasonality of dung decay time and the influence of rainfall, leaf fall, beetle attack and moisture on dung decay. Our study was carried out at the Ipassa Reserve, north-east Gabon. We compared the seasonality of dung decay with the seasonality of dung beetle abundance and guild structure. Dung beetle activity was the main factor influencing dung decay in our study site. Decay time was the highest during the main dry season (3.4 days) and the lowest during the short rainy season (0.7 days). Dung decay time was closely related to dung beetle abundance, especially to the abundance of nocturnal beetles. We discuss the implications of such results for duiker survey methods based on dung pellet counts in areas where decay time is extremely short or unknown.     

荒漠草原马粪中粪金龟子组成及分解作用

2007年4-10月,采用野外和室内实验相结合的方法,研究了荒漠草原马粪中的粪金龟子群落组成和对马粪分解的影响.共捕获粪金龟子13528头,隶属于3科4属26种,优势种为符号蜉金龟(Aphodius comma),占总捕获量的88.5%,不同季节粪金龟子群落组成明显不同;在鲜马粪中活动的粪金龟子以粪居型蜉金龟为主,在鲜马粪堆置3d时种数和个体数达到最高,6d后全部离开;马粪经过136 d分解,残留率为52.5%,残留粪样中氮和磷释放较慢,钾释放较快;结合室内分解实验的结果,认为粪金龟子主要通过在马粪中活动对其分解产生影响,并与风蚀作用成为荒漠草原马粪块破碎的重要动因,主要发生在春季和秋季.     

Landscape diversity of pasture dung beetle communities in the central region of mainland Japan and implications for conservation management

We studied the diversity of dung beetle communities in Japanese pastures to identify the factors that maintain or enhance the diversity of dung beetles at a landscape scale. We surveyed dung beetles from 17 pastures located in the northeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, which is in the center of mainland Japan. From 1999 to 2001, surveys were conducted during the 6-month grazing period (May to October) by using dung baited basket traps. We also collected information about the environmental conditions and pasture management practices. Twenty-five dung beetle species belonging to Geotrupinae, Scarabaeinae, and Aphodiinae (including 13 tunneler and 12 dweller species) were recorded. The abundance of dweller species decreased with increasing elevation, possibly because of the effect of rainfall, whereas the species richness of tunneler species was affected by cattle disturbance and soil condition. Beetle species richness significantly increased with the number of years that the pastures had been grazed. Ivermectin administration did not appear to have any adverse effect on dung beetle abundance, species richness, or species diversity. The dung beetle datasets of the current study (including specific tunneler and dweller beetle groups) supported the widely documented positive relationship between local abundance and species distribution ranges. The within pasture, within area, and between area hierarchical additive partitioning of regional total diversity indicated that landscape-scale management should be implemented to conserve the regional diversity of the dung beetle communities inhabiting Japanese pastures.     

Using dung beetles to evaluate the effects of urbanization on Atlantic Forest biodiversity

We used dung beetles to evaluate the impact of urbanization on insect biodiversity in three Atlantic Forest fragments in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the impact of urbanization on richness, abundance, composition and guild structure of dung beetle communities from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We evaluated the community aspects (abundance, richness, composition and food guilds) of dung beetles in fragments with different degrees of immersion in the urban matrix using pitfall traps with four alternative baits (rotten meat, rotten fish, pig dung and decaying banana). A total of 1 719 individuals were collected, belonging to 29 species from 11 genera and six Scarabaeinae tribes. The most urban‐immersed fragment showed a higher species dominance and the beetle community captured on dung presented the greatest evenness. The beetle communities were distinct with respect to the fragments and feeding habits. Except for the dung beetle assemblage in the most urbanized forest fragment, all others exhibited contrasting differences in species composition attracted to each bait type. Our results clearly show that the degree of urbanization affects Atlantic Forest dung beetle communities and that the preservation of forest fragments inside the cities, even small ones, can provide refuges for Scarabaeinae.