The influence of soil bulk density and soil moisture on the habitat selection of the dung beetleTyphaeus typhoeus in the Netherlands

Summary In the Netherlands, the dung beetleTyphaeus typhoeus (Col., Geotrupidae) is confined to sandy and loamy sandy soils. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory and in the field to ascertain the effects of soil bulk density and soil moisture on various aspects of the reproductive behaviour and development of this dung beetle. Some of the results were validated under natural field conditions. The nesting burrows were shown not to penetrate beyond the upper level of the soil moisture saturation zone. The depth of the burrows was not influenced by the bulk density in moist and free-drained sandy soils. Lower bulk densities of the soil were shown to result in fewer dung sausages being made, even when sufficient dung was availabe to provide for the larvae. This phenomenon was attributed to a behavioural response from the dung beetles. The critical bulk density in the field appeared to be approximately 1.40 × 10³ kg/m³. The survival rate of eggs and larvae was shown to be adversely affected by conditions of high soil moisture (> 20% by volume) at the depths where the larvae develop. Evidence is given for a low survival rate of larvae at conditions of low soil moisture (pF > 2.7) at these depths. The impact of certain other soil factors is discussed.Communication no. 280 of the Biological Station, Wijster, The Netherlands     

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