Dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae) active in forest habitats in southwestern Australia during winter

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1983
Authors:T. J. Ridsdill-Smith, Weir, T. A., Peck, S. B.
Journal:Journal of the Australian Entomological Society
Volume:22
Pagination:307-309
Abstract:

The abundance of dung beetles (ScarabaeidacScarabaeinae and Aphodiinae) during winter was estimated from captures at dung and carrion baited pitfall traps at 40 sites in native heath and forest habitats in the south of southwestern Australia. Beetles were attracted predominantly to dung baits. Of the 17 species trapped 16 occurred in heath, 10 in open forest fiarrah) and 10 in tall open forest (karri) habitats. Beetles of the tribes Onthophagini and Aphodiini were attracted predominantly to dung baits and were more abundant in heath and open forest than in tall open forest, while beetles of the tribe Scarabaeini were attracted equally to dung and carrion baits, and their abundance did not differ significantly in the three habitat types.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith