Abstract

MORA-AGUILAR, Eder F.  and  MONTES DE OCA, Enrique. Necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae and Trogidae) from lowland central Veracruz, Mexico. Acta Zool. Mex [online]. 2009, vol.25, n.3, pp.569-588. ISSN 2448-8445.

The necrophagous beetles (Scarabaeidae and Trogidae) occurring in the lowland of central Veracruz are studied and the assemblage composition is compared with those found in other regions. Specimens were collected during the rainy season of 2000 in the disturbed semi deciduous seasonal forest remnants associated with secondary vegetation and crop fields of Apazapan-Jalcomulco region (280-450 m of altitude). We recorded 2135 specimens belonging to the Scarabaeidae and Trogidae families represented in three subfamilies, seven tribes, 11 genera, and 18 species which represent the 92 % of the all necrophagous beetle species possible to be found in this region. Canthon cyanellus cyanellus, Deltochilum gibbosum sublaeve y Coprophanaeus pluto were the most abundant species on the samples. Richness and abundance were higher at the beginning of the rainy season followed by a gradual decrease as the season went by. Beetle abundance was higher in Apazapan than in Jalcomulco. Burrower beetle species richness exceeded the roller species in a 3:1 ratio but the abundance ratio was reversed. Daily beetle activity of nocturnal species is higher than diurnal species. This region showed 63% of specific similarity and around 80% of genus similarity with the coastal region of Veracruz, and is comparable with 56% and 90% of the respective similarities with the lowland region of "El Cielo" Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas.

Keywords : necrophagous beetles; lowland central; Veracruz; tropical semi deciduous forest.

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