Behavioral Aspects of Coprophanaeus ensifer (Germar) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) Associataed with Pig Carcasses in Central Brazil.

Abstract

Coprophanaeus ensifer (Germar) is a large dung beetle species primarily scavenger with paracoprid habits, habitually removing and burying parts of the food resource to build its nest and feed its larvae. This species is widely distributed in central-eastern South America and its association with decomposing carcasses confers great potential for forensic entomology. This study aimed to characterize behavioral aspects of C. ensifer associated with decomposing pig carcasses in the Cerrado of Central Brazil. Observational expeditions were carried out in the National Park of Brasília (PNB), Federal District. Three pig carcasses of approximately 5kg were exposed for a 30-day period on three typically rainy months. Behavioral observations were made daily in loco at twilight/nighttime throughout the decomposition process. This study comprised 45h of observation. A total of 34 individuals (11 males and 23 females) of C. ensifer were observed and marked. The following events/behaviors were observed: copulation, flight, feeding/perforation of the carcasses, scattering of carcasses portions, soil turning, opening of tunnels below/around the carcasses, burying of carcasses portions, nesting, and agonistic behavior/fighting. The behaviors of feeding, scattering of the carcasses, turning the soil, and opening of tunnels were observed in a high frequency, regardless of sex. The species is most attracted by substrates on the intermediate stages of active decomposition and causes important actions on the carcasses such as drilling and dismemberment. Behavioral descriptions and forensic implications are discussed in the text.