Diversity and composition of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae) assemblages in Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh (India)

Abstract :

Diversity and composition of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae) assemblages were sampled, analyzed and studied in Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS), Madhya Pradesh. Collection of specimens yielded a total of 669 beetles representing 26 species belonging to 12 genera and two subfamilies. The subfamily Scarabaeinae with 24 species is dominating (71.59% of total individuals) over Aphodiinae (27.40%) with two species. Twenty species were collected in mixed forests (n=398) and nineteen species in agricultural lands (n=271), wherein thirteen species were present in both the habitats. Though the species richness is almost similar in SWLS, but there is significant difference in guild structure and composition. Tunnellers were the most speciose (22 species) and abundant (55.3%) followed by dwellers which constitute three species with 42.8% abundance in the assemblage


Keyword :

Species diversity, Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India


Author(s) : Chandra, K., Gupta, D.
Downloads : 2305
Published Issue : 2012 Vol. 7 Number 2


2012 Vol. 7 Number 2