Studies on diversity and relative abundance of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Sakri tahsil, Dist– Dhulia (M.S.) India.

Dr. S. S. Patole

Volume : IX, Issue : X, October - 2019

Studies on diversity and relative abundance of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Sakri tahsil, Dist– Dhulia (M.S.) India.

Dr. S. S. Patole

Abstract :

An updated checklist of 15 species (14 genera) of Scarabaeoid beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) belonging to 5 subfamilies (Scarabaeinae, Rutelinae, Melolonthinae, Dynastinae and Cetoniinae) is provided for the first time. The survey was carried out in 2015–2017, from Sakri tahsil, Dist– Dhulia (MS). Out of total species, the subfamily Scarabaeinae contribute dominant number i.e. 6 species (40 %) followed by Dynastinae 3 species (20 %) while remaining subfamilies having 2 species (13.3 %) each. The subfamily; Scarabaeinae include the beetle which exclusively feed on dung and carrion. Whereas the beetles in the subfamilies; Rutelinae, Melolonthinae, Dynastinae and Cetoniinae are phytophagous in nature and acts as pest of various commercial crops of agricultural and forestry importance. Our observations indicate relative abundance of beetles in monsoon than in winter and summer.