Abundance and distribution of coprophilous Histerini (Histeridae) and <i>Onthophagus</i> and <i>Aphodius</i> (Scarabaeidae) in Finland (Coleoptera)

Abstract

The distribution and occurrence, with the time-factor taken into consideration, were monitored in Finland for the mainly dung-living histerid genera Margarinotus, Hister, and Atholus (all predators), and for the Scarabaeidae genera Onthophagus and Aphodius, in which almost all species are dung-feeders. All available records from Finland of the 54 species studied were gathered and distribution maps based on the UTM grid are provided for each species with brief comments on the occurrence of the species today. Within the Histeridae the following species showed a decline in their occunence: Margarinotus purpurascens, M. neglectus, Hister funestus, H. bissexstrinatus and Atholus bimaculatus, and within the Scarabaeidae: Onthophagus nuchicornis,O. gibbulus, O. fracticornis, O. similis, Aphodius subterraneus, A. sphacelatus and A. merdarius. The four Onthophagus species and A. sphacelatus disappeared in the 1950s and 1960s and are at present probably extinct in Finland. Changes in the agricultural ecosystems, caused by different kinds of changes in the traditional husbandry, are suggested as a reason for the decline in the occurrence of certain vulnerable species.

Spatial and temporal variation in species composition of dung beetle assemblages in southern Ireland

“…A re-analysis of Belgian data in De Graef & Desière (1984) indicates a low correlation of the rank order of abundances of the eight commonest species between 1972 and 1982-83 (r s ϭ -0.5), in contrast to the usual strong positive correlations of data sets from consecutive years (see above ;Finn et al, 1998). Comparisons of regional data sets at temporal scales of µ 60 years reveal apparent changes in abundance and some turnover of species (usually a loss of species, in the data sets available; Johnson, 1962;Biström et al, 1991). Comparisons of regional data sets at temporal scales of µ 60 years reveal apparent changes in abundance and some turnover of species (usually a loss of species, in the data sets available; Johnson, 1962;Biström et al, 1991).…”

“…Any suggestions, however, are based on data from southern Ireland, and may not be applicable without modification to dung beetle assemblages at other Northern European sites. Given the recent apparent declines and extinctions in dung beetle species (Väisänen & Rassi, 1990;Biström et al, 1991), in tandem with changes in farming practices, studies documenting and analysing patterns of assemblage variation are required urgently. This is useful, considering that most studies, and experimental studies in particular, are conducted at small spatial scales.…”

Some like it hot: microclimatic variation affects the abundance and movements of a critically endangered dung beetle

“…Onthophagus gibbulus is currently classified as critically endangered in Finland (Rassi et al ., 2001). Between 1961 and 1995, no records were made of the species, and it was already considered regionally extinct (Biström et al ., 1991). In 1995, a remnant population was found in the south‐western part of Finland, in the Häntälä region near Somero (60°34′N, 23°22′E).…”

“…In this context, dung beetles in the genus Onthophagus are of particular concern. Of the three Onthophagus species formerly encountered in Finland, two are currently nationally extinct (Biström et al ., 1991; Rassi et al ., 2001; Roslin and Heliövaara, 2007). Yet, one species – Onthophagus gibbulus – still persists.…”

Lethal and sub‐lethal effects of ivermectin on north temperate dung beetles,Aphodius aterandAphodius rufipes(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

“…Factors implicated in the decline of dung beetle biodiversity include urban development and associated habitat encroachment and destruction (Lobo, 2001), reduced presence of livestock due to conversion of pastures to cropland (Carpaneto et al. , 2007), changes in traditional farming methods (Biström et al. , 1991; Gustavsson, 1998; Roslin, 1999; Hutton & Giller, 2003), forestry regrowth on traditional pasturelands (Carpaneto et al.…”