Succession of Dung Beetles (Scarabaeinae: Coleoptera) in the Cow Dung Pats of a Tropical Agro habitat in Kerala, South India

Abstract

1 (Department Of Zoology, St.Xavier’s College For Women, Aluva, Kerala, India) 2 (Department Of Zoology, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha,Kerala, India) __________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract : Dung beetles are coprophagous beetles belonging to the order Coleoptera, in the Scarabaeidae family. This study aims to find out the dung beetles species associated with various stages of cow dung decomposition in an agrohabitat.2-6 hr old fresh cow dung pats were placed in open agricultural fields in Kerala, South India. Beetle composition from 8 stages of colonization, lasting 14 days were analysed to throw light into succession of dung beetles. Dung beetles in cow dung pats involved a short stay of 14 days. Fifteen dung beetle species representing eight genera and four tribes were recorded. Both abundance and species richness increased till 4th day of succession and declined beyond. Dwellers were early to arrive, tunnelers were the most prominent guild and rollers were completely absent in the samples. As these beetles plays an important role as ecological indicators, declining population of dung beetles in agricultural habitats, should be taken seriously and more research is needed in this regard.