Taxonomic and Functional Diversity Roles of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in Native Forests and Silviculture Systems in Subtropical Region of Brazil

Forest system simplification may be a significant driver of dung beetle diversity shifts. This study investigates the taxonomic and functional diversity of necrophagous and coprophagous beetles across native forest areas and eucalyptus plantations within a subtropical region in Brazil. Sampling was conducted at each site type (native forest vs. plantation) using baited pitfall traps (20 traps × 2 bait types × 2 sites = 80 sampling units) set 25 m apart. Coprophagous beetles were attracted using 15 g of human faeces, while necrophagous species were lured with 15 g of fish, both exposed over a 48-h period. Native forests support higher taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetles compared to eucalyptus plantation sites, underscoring the importance of structural complexity and habitat heterogeneity for sustaining dung beetle assemblages. Native forests foster greater functional richness and dispersion, indicative of diverse ecological strategies and functional roles. Conversely, eucalyptus plantations favour generalist species with high phenotypic plasticity, selectively filtering smaller organisms like Canthidium trinodosum (Boheman, 1858) due to altered microclimatic conditions. Additionally, eucalyptus sites favour larger-bodied dung beetles with morphological adaptations that enhance mobility and resource use in compacted soils. These findings underscore the ecological significance of native forests in conserving biodiversity, highlighting the essential role of dung beetles for ecosystem functionality in subtropical landscapes.