First record of myrmecochorous diaspores removal by dung beetles in the Caatinga vegetation, a Brazilian semiarid ecosystem

Canthon (Francmonrosia) carbonarius is recognized as coprophagous and this paper describes, for the first time, the interaction between the dung beetle and seeds of Jatropha mollissima, in Pernambuco state, on the Caatinga vegetation. The observed activities were remotion of elaiosome parts, rolling...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of arid environments 2013-01, Vol.88, p.1-3
Main Authors: Iannuzzi, L., Leal, L.C., Meiado, M.V., Ribeiro, S.C., Salomão, R.P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Beetles
Biological and medical sciences
Canthon
Deposition
Diaspore
Dung
dung beetles
Ecological monitoring
ecosystems
Elaiosome
Euphorbiaceae
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General aspects
Insects
Jatropha
Northeastern Brazil
Pinhão
predators
rolling
Scarabaeinae
Seeds
Synecology
Terrestrial ecosystems
Vegetation
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Summary:Canthon (Francmonrosia) carbonarius is recognized as coprophagous and this paper describes, for the first time, the interaction between the dung beetle and seeds of Jatropha mollissima, in Pernambuco state, on the Caatinga vegetation. The observed activities were remotion of elaiosome parts, rolling and deposition of the diaspore on the beetle burial site. Interactions between myrmecochorous diaspores and dung beetle may have important ecological implications. These insects may also act as either predators or secondary dispersal agents of myrmecochorous seeds available in the environment. The findings of the present study serve as a starting point for future studies assessing the ecological implications on the use of this new type of resource by dung beetles in the Caatinga vegetation. ► New resource type utilization for dung beetle was observed. ► Myrmecochorous diaspores are also removed by dung beetle. ► Harsh environments force dung beetles to occupy wider trophic niche. ► Diaspores with carrion-like odors attract copro-necrophagous beetles.
ISSN:0140-1963
1095-922X
DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2012.08.001