Collection techniques of dung beetle in the Cerrado, Brazil

Abstract

Passive collection methods, with the use of traps, have been used to collect beetles of the Scarabaeidae family. However, in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna-like vegetation) there are few studies about these insects, despite its importance to the ecosystem and to the biological control of cattle pests. The aim of this work was to evaluate techniques of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae sensu stricto) collections with the use of flight interception traps, pitfall traps baited with human faeces, and with carcass. The experiment was accomplished in three different phytophysiognomies (low tree and shrub savanna, semi-open scrub mixed with trees and gallery forests) of the Ecological Reserve of IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística), 35 km away from Brasília, DF, in the rainy season (October/1999 to January/2000) and in the dry season (May to August/2000). The pitfall trap baited with faeces and the low tree and shrub savanna presented the greatest richness and abundance of species. There was a positive association between rains and the temporal distribution of the beetles. The pitfall trap baited with human faeces is recommended to collect dung beetles.