Population trends and flight behavior of the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus (Coleoptera: Silphidae), on Block Island, RI |
| |
Authors: | Christopher J. Raithel Howard S. Ginsberg Ming Lee Prospero |
| |
Affiliation: | (1) RI Department of Environmental Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 218, West Kingston, RI 02892, USA;(2) Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA;(3) USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Coastal Field Station, Woodward Hall-PLS, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA |
| |
Abstract: | The endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus, was monitored on Block Island, RI, USA, from 1991–2003 using mark-recapture population estimates of adults collected in pitfall traps. Populations increased through time, especially after 1994 when a program was initiated that provided carrion for beetle production. Beetle captures increased with increasing temperature and dew point, and decreased with increasing wind speed. Short distance movement was not related to wind direction, while longer distance flights tended to be downwind. Although many individuals flew considerable distances along transects, most recaptures were in traps near the point of release. These behaviors probably have counterbalancing effects on population estimates.The U.S. Goverment's right to retain a non-exclusive, royalty-free license in and to any copyright is acknowledged. |
| |
Keywords: | American burying beetle Endangered species Flight behavior Mark recapture Nicrophorus americanus Population trends |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|