Phenology and reproductive cycles in Mexican aphodiine dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Aphodiini)

Abstract

Summary: The phenology and reproductive cycles of seven Mexican Aphodiini dung beetles are studied. The highest abundances of individuals occurred during the wet and warm season of the year, coinciding with the long summer. Their abundance is reduced or beetles are in diapause, depending on the species, during the dry and cold months that mainly corresponded to winter. Five species are univoltine, and females and males emerge mature after the first rains arrive, reproduce and then they enter diapause until the following year. One species is bivoltine and is found from the beginning of the wet season until the onset of winter. The other species is multivoltine and found almost all year round, although the highest abundances are found during the summer when generations overlap. The abundances of three of the species occurring at different localities are compared.