Dung Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae) Communities of Eastern Maryland

Abstract

We examined the species diversity and seasonal abundance of 19 species of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae) in two ecotone habitats of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Specimens were collected over an eight-month period during 2009–2010 using standard pitfall trap transects of 200 m. In 2010, an additional survey of eight habitats in Wicomico and Worcester counties was conducted to obtain a more representative sample of the original dung beetle diversity. Habitat data, bait attraction, and collection methods are provided. This research is intended to be the first bioinventory of Maryland dung beetles for conservation research.