Copronecrophagous scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from Colonia Benitez Educative Natural Reserve, Chaco, Argentina

Scarabaeinae assemblages composition from Colonia Benitez Reserve are assessed. Six samples using pitfalls, baited with squid and dung, and light traps, were carried out in dry and rainy seasons in 2 environments. A total of 3,369 specimens were caught belonging to 26 species. Eurysternus aeneus, Canthon quinquemaculatus, Canthon chalybaeus, Deltochilum komareki and Canthidium sp. represented 65% of all captures. Non-parametric richness estimators showed a reliable inventory. Significant differences in the Scarabaeinae assemblages structure was observed between periods, among baits and between sampled months, but not among environments. Abundance and diversity were slightly higher in the dry season. Richness, abundance and diversity were higher in the dryer period and in March (2011). More species were captured in excrement traps and more individuals in carrion traps. Maximum temperature was the variable that best explained the variation in the community structure. This is the first study of Scarabaeinae diversity in a protected area of the Ramsar Site Chaco Wetlands. The observed richness highlights the importance of maintaining even small areas for conservation purposes. © 2015 Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia.