Physiological condition drives ecological functions of two highly abundant and widespread dung beetles of South American pasturelands

Ecological Entomology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 10, 2025

Abstract Physiological condition plays a pivotal role on the interaction between individuals and environment, consequently being related to ecological functions that organisms provide. Body dry mass, fat muscle mass have been proved affect way in which behave, as depletion of nutrients their body strategies they present. In this study, we used two dung beetle species model test effects individual traits physiological ecosystem services provided by them (e.g., removal soil excavation). To attain goal, Dichotomius nisus D. bos , are widespread inhabit South American pasturelands considered important for functioning these regions. The beetles were collected from introduced pastures ( Urochloa spp.) Brazilian Cerrado biome, performed evaluated laboratory, with females males buckets filled soil. Our results show higher amounts less functions. Furthermore, more removed during activities. Lastly, patterns sex dependent. study provides evidence affects beetles. Thus, integration animal may allow deeper understanding basis beetles, well an perspective contribution services.

Language: Английский

The conversion of native savannah into pasturelands does not affect exclusively species diversity: Effects on physiological condition of a highly abundant dung beetle species

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 13(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2023

Abstract Dung beetles are efficient indicators to obtain responses regarding the effects of land use change on biodiversity. Although biological consequences Cerrado conversion into pasture have been observed at assemblage scale, there no cues tropical savanna physiological condition dung beetle individuals. In this study, we evaluated whether native and non‐native habitats in affect body traits males females Phanaeus palaeno . The individuals were collected from a fragment (sensu stricto) an exotic ( Urochloa spp.). Physiological was assessed through estimation individuals' dry mass, fat muscle mass. Body estimated individual size males' horn length. We did not find differences between morphological pastures. However, pastures had lower mass but higher than conserved Cerrado. Understanding how affects is essential maintain abundant healthy populations human‐modified landscapes. logistically more complex species traits, future studies aiming present finer ecological should incorporate data their approaches.

Language: Английский