The Effects of Big Dune and Lava Dune Sand Composition on the Eggs and Larvae of <i>Pseudocotalpa giulianii</i>

Abstract

Differences in the composition of aeolian sand at Big Dune and sand at Lava Dune that is mixed with basalt and various minerals may affect water retention and the development of insects that are specialized for living in sand environments. These two dunes, located in Nye County, Nevada, are home to the endemic dune scarab beetle, Pseudocotalpa giulianii (PSGU). The differences in sand type may influence the growth patterns of the eggs and larvae of this beetle species that hatches and develops to an adult within the sand. The purpose of this experiment is to test whether sand composition affects hatch success of PSGU eggs as well as the growth and survivability of PSGU larvae that have successfully hatched. The data analyzed indicate that there are altered conditions of growth for PSGU larvae between sand types, with Lava Dune sand causing increased larval growth rate and body mass, though it is yet unknown what causes the observed differences in growth and size patterns.