Historical and ecological factors determining the geographical distribution of beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Abstract

The relationship of scarabaeid beetles with the tropical forests of the Americas, Africa and southeast Asia is analysed. The structure and similarities and differences of the guilds on each continent are examined and compared with guilds in the savannas. For several aspects (for example species richness of the guild in the American tropical forests), answers (e.g. necrophagy) and possible hypotheses are proposed. A review of the current bibliography on the subject is included as well as previously unpublished data.