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The action of post-dispersal beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on scats of

Nilton Carlos Cáceres¹, Emygdio L A Monteiro-Filho

¹Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Cx.P. 5044, Santa Maria, RS, 97.110-970, Brazil. nc_caceres@hotmail.com

Revista De Biologia Tropical

|May 7, 2008

Summary

Dung beetles and ants are key post-dispersal agents for opossum scats. These insects aid seed dispersal and formation of seed banks by burying or moving opossum feces.

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Zoology
Botany

Background:

Seed dispersal is crucial for plant regeneration and ecosystem dynamics.
Opossum scats contain seeds that require effective dispersal mechanisms.
Post-dispersal agents significantly influence seed fate and plant community structure.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and quantify the role of dung beetles and ants in the post-dispersal of opossum scats.
To investigate the impact of these invertebrates on seed survival and seed bank formation.
To understand the ecological interactions between opossums, invertebrates, and seed dispersal.

Main Methods:

A two-year field study involving the placement of opossum scats to monitor invertebrate activity.
Laboratory analysis of scat samples to assess seed content (30% of total).
Pitfall traps (N=10) baited with opossum scats and direct observation to collect and identify invertebrates.

Main Results:

Dung beetles were the primary agents, burying scats at depths of 4-15 cm (N=22 tunnels).
Major dung beetle groups identified included small-bodied beetles (57.6%), Eurysternus (28.7%), and Dichotomius (13.7%).
The ant Acromirmex sp. (25.5% of Formicidae samples) was observed transporting seeds from scats.

Conclusions:

Dung beetles and ants play a vital role in the dispersal and burial of opossum scats, enhancing seed survival.
These invertebrates help protect seeds from predators like rodents.
The activity of these post-dispersal agents accelerates the formation of soil seed banks, promoting plant regeneration.