Can dung beetles from the palaeoecological and archaeological record indicate herd concentration and the identity of herbivores?

David Smith,Kalla Nayyar,Danielle Schreve,Richard Thomas,Nicki Whitehouse

doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2013.11.032

Abstract

We present the results from two analogue studies that examine two aspects of dung beetle populations. Firstly, the degree to which the proportions of dung beetles in terrestrial faunas may reflect herd concentration is assessed by comparing modern sub-fossil faunas retrieved from a range of small ponds at Dunham Massey, Cheshire and Epping Forest in London. These studies suggest that it may be possible to use the proportions of ‘dung beetles’ recovered to differentiate high from low density grazing pressures in the palaeoentomological and archaeoentomological record.A second study examines the insect faunas recovered from modern samples of dung from a range of bovids, cervids, suids and equids, chosen to replicate, as closely as possible, Pleistocene taxa. These include the famous Chillingham cattle herd from Northumberland and herds of red deer, wild boar and Konik horses from Kent. When the numbers of individuals and the nature and range of beetles in the whole fauna are considered, it may be possible to differentiate between the dung of a range of different animals. A number of limitations with the present study, their implications and the future potential of this type of study are outlined.

Highlights

A second study examines the insect faunas recovered from modern samples of dung from a range of bovids, cervids, suids and equids, chosen to replicate, as closely as possible, Pleistocene taxa
‘Dung beetles’, taken here to indicate a broad group of different genera whose members are associated with dung, are routinely recovered, sometimes in large numbers, from a range of palaeoecological and archaeological Pleistocene and Holocene deposits
This paper will present the results from two modern analogue studies, compare these with results from a previous study and discuss how ‘dung beetles’ appear to have had a more significant role to play in the interpretation of sub-fossil insects from a range of Pleistocene, Holocene and archaeological sites than previously suggested

Summary

Introduction

A second study examines the insect faunas recovered from modern samples of dung from a range of bovids, cervids, suids and equids, chosen to replicate, as closely as possible, Pleistocene taxa. ‘Dung beetles’, taken here to indicate a broad group of different genera whose members are associated with dung (see below), are routinely recovered, sometimes in large numbers, from a range of palaeoecological and archaeological Pleistocene and Holocene deposits. Their presence is only interpreted as providing an indication that grazing and pasture areas were present in the landscape. Given the recent research interest in the role of herbivores in structuring Pleistocene and Holocene landscapes and their effects on ecosystems, (e.g. Vera, 2000; Gill et al 2009; Johnson, 2009; Rule et al 2012; Jeffers et al 2012), this is potentially an area of significant research interest and one in which fossil beetles can make a meaningful contribution

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Conclusion