Taxonomic account of dung beetles from Gujrat, Punjab (Pakistan)
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Taxonomic account of dung beetles from Gujrat, Punjab (Pakistan)
Abstract
The study was aimed to explore the diversity, distribution and description of dung beetle fauna in Gujrat, Pakistan in 2014 – 2015. Samples were collected from natural forests, grazing pastures and agricultural areas of district Gujrat during the study period by using appropriate sampling techniques.Total of 349 specimens were collected and identified by using standard keys. The recorded specimens were identified into 4 tribes, 7 genera and 16 species including Gymnopleurus bicallosus, Heliocopris bucephalus, Catharsius pithecius, Catharsius molessus, Catharsius sagax, Catharsius platypus, Catharsius granulatus, Onthophagus gazelle, Onitis philemon, Onitis subopacus, Onitis singhalensis, Onitis castaneous, Onitis excavatus, Tiniocellus spinipes and Oniticellus cinctus of subfamily Scarabaeidae and Aphodius crenatus of subfamily Aphodiinae. It was concluded that Gujrat is a diverse area for dung beetle fauna but there is a need to study the population dynamics of Scarabaeidae at a comprehensive level to evaluate its ecological role.
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