First record of myrmecochorous diaspores removal by dung beetles in the Caatinga vegetation, a Brazilian semiarid ecosystem
2013
Iannuzzi, L. | Leal, L.C. | Meiado, M.V. | Ribeiro, S.C. | Salomão, R.P.
Canthon (Francmonrosia) carbonarius is recognized as coprophagous and this paper describes, for the first time, the interaction between the dung beetle and seeds of Jatropha mollissima, in Pernambuco state, on the Caatinga vegetation. The observed activities were remotion of elaiosome parts, rolling and deposition of the diaspore on the beetle burial site. Interactions between myrmecochorous diaspores and dung beetle may have important ecological implications. These insects may also act as either predators or secondary dispersal agents of myrmecochorous seeds available in the environment. The findings of the present study serve as a starting point for future studies assessing the ecological implications on the use of this new type of resource by dung beetles in the Caatinga vegetation.
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