Abstract
The effects of transgenic compounds on non-target organisms remain poorly understood, especially in native insect species. Morphological changes (e.g., changes in body size and shape) may reflect possible responses to environmental stressors, like transgenic toxins. The dung beetle Canthon quinquemaculatus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) is a non-target species found in transgenic crops. We evaluated whether C. quinquemaculatus individuals inhabiting corn fields cultivated with different seed types (conventional, creole and transgenic) present modifications in body shape compared to individuals inhabiting adjacent native forest fragments. We collected C. quinquemaculatus specimens across an agricultural landscape in southern Brazil, during the summer of 2015. Six populations were sampled: three maize crop populations each under a different seed type, and three populations of adjacent forests. After sampling, specimens were subjected to morphometric analyses to discover differences in body shape. We chose fifteen landmarks to describe body shape, and morphometric data were tested with Procrustes ANOVA and Discriminant Analysis. We found that body shape did not differ between individuals collected in conventional and creole crops with their respective adjacent forests (p > 0.05); however, transgenic crop populations differed significantly from those collected in adjacent forests (p < 0.05). Insects in transgenic maize are more oval and have a retraction in the abdominal region, compared with the respective adjacent forest, this result shows the possible effect of transgenic crops on non-target species. This may have implications for the ecosystem service of organic matter removal, carried out by these organisms.
Highlights
Body shape is directly associated with several important ecological aspects, such as high-speed displacement capabilities, and predator–prey interactions [1,2]
In addition to providing important information on species ecology, body shape may indicate the effects of possible environmental stressors on individuals
We observed different body shape patterns for C. quinquemaculatus individuals living in habitats; populations found in transgenic maize crops presented significant morphometric different habitats; populations found in transgenic maize crops presented significant morphometric modifications when compared to adjacent forest fragments
Summary
Body shape is directly associated with several important ecological aspects, such as high-speed displacement capabilities, and predator–prey interactions [1,2]. Body morphology is linked with community structuring since differences in shape are usually associated with different feeding and nesting strategies. Shape can be associated with better adapted competitors with improved foraging strategies in a particular community [8]. In addition to providing important information on species ecology, body shape may indicate the effects of possible environmental stressors on individuals. These environmental stressors may be natural, such as ultraviolet radiation [9], or may be anthropic, like pollution [10].
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