Observations on burrowing behavior by Panamanian Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Coleopterists Bulletin
2009
Journal Article
63
3
319-324
0010-065X
dung beetles
On Barro Colorado Island, Panama, a series of field observations were conducted to evaluate the role of burrower species of Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) in the removal of dung. Using tapir dung placed on the soil surface, three species were observed during the diurnal period, five other species were observed in the nocturnal period. Of those eight species, Onthophagus acuminatus Harold was demonstrated to be the most varied behaviorally in obtaining dung, to include kleptoparasitism.