Diversity of Scarabaeinae Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on Cattle Ranches of Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract Dung beetles of the Scarabaeinae subfamily are an essential component of the diversity of organisms that degrade organic matter in the soil. Therefore, their diversity provides critical ecological services to different ecosystems, including agroecosystems. This study describes the fauna of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) that inhabit cattle ranches in two municipalities of Tabasco, Mexico. From November 2018 to October 2019, 1,400 specimens of this subfamily were collected using pitfall traps baited with cattle feces on ranches located in Tacotalpa and Centro. The most abundant species were the introduced beetles Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius) and Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche). This study shows a scarce presence of roller species and notable differences in the structures of dung beetle assemblages between ranches. Additionally, this study provides a record of nine undocumented species for Tabasco, bringing the total to 27 Scarabaeinae species for the state. This study is the first formal survey to document the diversity of these insects in Tabasco, Mexico.

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