Abstract

MARQUEZ, Juan. Ecological patterns in necrophilous Staphylinidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Tlayacapan, Morelos, México. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2003, n.89, pp.69-83. ISSN 2448-8445.

Necrophilous Staphylinidae were studied using carrion traps model NTP-80 at five sites in Tlayacapan, Morelos state, México. A total of 5,192 specimens belonging to 76 species were collected. Three sites, 1 (pine-oak forest), 3 (cloud forest), and 4 (tropical deciduous forest) had little temperature variation, high humidity and relatively undisturbed conditions; in contrast, sites 2 (pine forest) and 5 (cultivated area and tropical deciduous forest mixture) had greater temperature variation, lower humidity and more disturbance. Highest species richness and abundance were recorded in sites 1, 3 and 4, possibly because of more abundant food resources, microhabitats and stable favorable abiotic conditions. Maximum species richness and abundance occurred during the rainy season except at site 4, which had dry season peaks; many staphylinids are concentrated in the most humid part of this site, seeking resources available only there during the dry season. The faunas of sites 3 and 4 were most similar, that of site 2 least similar to the others. The richer faunas of sites 1, 3, and 4 suggest that most necrophilous staphylinids prefer less disturbed and moister sites. Dry season moisture levels may be an important factor limiting the distribution and/or activity of some species.

Keywords : Staphylinidae; necrophilous; ecological patterns; Tlapacoyan; Mexico.

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