Two dung beetle species that disperse mimetic seeds both feed on eland dung
Journal Article
2016
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
South African Journal of Science
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
Abstract Scarabaeus spretus zur Strassen was observed to roll and bury Ceratocaryum argenteum (Restionaceae) seeds in the sandplain fynbos of the Potberg area of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa. This species is the second dung beetle species found to be deceived by the faecal mimicry of C. argenteum seeds – the first species being Epirinus flagellatus. An isotopic analysis suggests that both these dung beetle species most likely feed on eland (Taurotragus oryx), not bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus), dung. Thus the model in this mimicry is eland dung; this interaction suggests large herbivores are an integral part of this fynbos.
Description
Keywords
Reference:
Midgley, J.J. & White, J.D. 2016. Two dung beetle species that disperse mimetic seeds both feed on eland dung. South African Journal of Science. Volume 112(Number 7/8):174 - 177. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/34799