Asimetria fluctuante en dos poblaciones de Ceroglossus chilensis (Eschscholtz, 1829) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) en el agroecosistema Pinus radiata D. Don region del Bio-Bio, Chile

Abstract

An analysis of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was conducted on populations of Ceroglossus chilensis. The aim of this study was to compare levels of FA at the third antennal segment, among populations from pine plantations of different ages and handling type located in the Coastal mountain range and the Andes foothill of Chile. Insects were collected with pitfall traps during December, 2004, and January, 2005, in plantations of 6-7, 10, 13, and 22-24 years old. Our results show for the total of insects (n=128), significant differences in FA values in 6-7 (first tree thinning) and 10 years old plantations (commercial thinning) located in both geographical locations. No correlations were found between FA, abundance and the presence of plantation understory. Asymmetry may be the consequence of different plantation management. We discuss how antennal asymmetry may affect in relation to prey capture and mate search.