Visiting and feeding behavior of sap beetles (Carpophilus lugubris) in the flowers of a chiropterophilic columnar cactus (Pilosocereus leucocephalus)

Abstract

Carpophilus beetles have been observed in the flowers of some chiropterophilic columnar cacti. However, the visiting and feeding behavior of these beetles in these flowers has not been described in detail. Here, we describe for the first time the visiting and feeding behavior of Carpophilus lugubris in the flowers of Pilosocereus leucocephalus, a chiropterophilous columnar cactus, in a tropical dry forest in central Veracruz, Mexico. C. lugubris was found in 100% of the flowers examined, with a mean of 70.54 ± 9.44 beetles per flower (range: 2–267). Up to three beetles were seen in 37% of the buds examined, therefore C. lugubris can enter the flower before anthesis. C. lugubris was not observed touching the stigma during the study, suggesting that this beetle may have a limited role in pollination. The nectar of P. leucocephalus was found in the beetles’ guts, but there was no pollen, suggesting that C. lugubris consumed only nectar. The flowers of P. leucocephalus were also used as mating sites by C. lugubris.