The Experts below are selected from a list of 4578 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
José R. Verdú - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biomagnification and body distribution of ivermectin in Dung Beetles
Scientific Reports, 2020Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Antonio Ortiz, Francisco SanchezpineroAbstract:A terrestrial test system to investigate the biomagnification potential and tissue-specific distribution of ivermectin, a widely used parasiticide, in the non-target Dung beetle Thorectes lusitanicus (Jekel) was developed and validated. Biomagnification kinetics of ivermectin in T. lusitanicus was investigated by following uptake, elimination, and distribution of the compound in Dung Beetles feeding on contaminated faeces. Results showed that ivermectin was biomagnified in adults of T. lusitanicus when exposed to non-lethal doses via food uptake. Ivermectin was quickly transferred from the gut to the haemolymph, generating a biomagnification factor (BMFk) three times higher in the haemolymph than in the gut after an uptake period of 12 days. The fat body appeared to exert a major role on the biomagnification of ivermectin in the insect body, showing a BMFk 1.6 times higher than in the haemolymph. The results of this study highlight that the biomagnification of ivermectin should be investigated from a global Dung-based food web perspective and that the use of these antiparasitic substances should be monitored and controlled on a precautionary basis. Thus, we suggest that an additional effort be made in the development of standardised regulatory recommendations to guide biomagnification studies in terrestrial organisms, but also that it is necessary to adapt existing methods to assess the effects of such veterinary medical products.
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Dung Beetles: functional identity, not functional diversity, accounts for ecological process disruption caused by the use of veterinary medical products
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2020Co-Authors: Mattia Tonelli, José R. Verdú, Federico Morelli, Mario ZuninoAbstract:The impact of veterinary medical products (VMPs) on Dung Beetles has been thoroughly investigated. However, less is known about the ecological consequences for the ecosystem processes performed by this fauna, especially in relation to functional diversity. We explored the impacts of the long-term use of VMPs on Dung Beetles from a functional standpoint. We compared two areas with a different kinds of pasture management (long-standing use of VMPs vs. no use of VMPs) over two seasons (autumn and spring). We analyzed the impacts of VMPs on Dung beetle functional diversity (using 23 traits) and the ecological process of Dung removal. We also examined the relationships between species richness and functional diversity indices. Moreover, we investigated which community attribute was the most important in terms of efficiently sustaining the ecological process of Dung removal. Long-standing use of VMPs led to a loss of functional richness, but other functional indices were less affected. A strong correlation between functional richness and species richness showed a low level of Dung beetle redundancy, suggesting a low level of resilience in the ecosystem under study. The impact of the long term use of VMPs on Dung beetle community attributes in turn had negative effects on the ecological process under study, with a reduction in Dung removal capacity of 70%. Interestingly, this ecological process was not driven by functional diversity as many studies have shown, but rather by functional identity, such as the richness in paracoprids, telecoprids and the biomass of large Dung Beetles. These results raise concerns because large Dung Beetles, paracoprid and telecoprid Beetles are the most functionally efficient in terms of Dung removal capacity. At the same time, they are the most vulnerable and the most prone to extinction. Hence, our findings underscore the need to closely restrict the use of VMPs in order to maintain viable and ecologically efficient Dung beetle communities.
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first assessment of the comparative toxicity of ivermectin and moxidectin in adult Dung Beetles sub lethal symptoms and pre lethal consequences
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Francisco Sanchezpinero, Juan Martinezpinna, Antonio J Ortiz, Catherine NumaAbstract:Among macrocyclic lactones (ML), ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX) potentially affect all Ecdysozoan species, with Dung Beetles being particularly sensitive. The comparative effects of IVM and MOX on adult Dung Beetles were assessed for the first time to determine both the physiological sub-lethal symptoms and pre-lethal consequences. Inhibition of antennal response and ataxia were tested as two intuitive and ecologically relevant parameters by obtaining the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) values and interpolating other relevant toxicity thresholds derived from concentration-response curves (IC50, as the concentration of each ML where the antennal response is inhibited by half; and pLC50, as the quantity of ingested ML where partial paralysis was observed by half of treated individuals) from concentration-response curves. Both sub-lethal and pre-lethal symptoms obtained in this study coincided in that IVM was six times more toxic than MOX for adult Dung Beetles. Values of LOEC, IC50 and pLC50 obtained for IVM and MOX evaluated in an environmental context indicate that MOX, despite needing more time for tis elimination in the faeces, would be twice as harmful to Dung Beetles as IVM. This approach will be valuable to clarify the real impact of MLs on Dung beetle health and to avoid the subsequent environmental consequences.
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low doses of ivermectin cause sensory and locomotor disorders in Dung Beetles
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Antonio Ortiz, Estela Gonzalezrodriguez, Juan Martinezpinna, Francisco SanchezpineroAbstract:Ivermectin is a veterinary pharmaceutical generally used to control the ecto- and endoparasites of livestock, but its use has resulted in adverse effects on coprophilous insects, causing population decline and biodiversity loss. There is currently no information regarding the direct effects of ivermectin on Dung beetle physiology and behaviour. Here, based on electroantennography and spontaneous muscle force tests, we show sub-lethal disorders caused by ivermectin in sensory and locomotor systems of Scarabaeus cicatricosus, a key Dung beetle species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings show that ivermectin decreases the olfactory and locomotor capacity of Dung Beetles, preventing them from performing basic biological activities. These effects are observed at concentrations lower than those usually measured in the Dung of treated livestock. Taking into account that ivermectin acts on both glutamate-gated and GABA-gated chloride ion channels of nerve and muscle cells, we predict that ivermectin’s effects at the physiological level could influence many members of the Dung pat community. The results indicate that the decline of Dung beetle populations could be related to the harmful effects of chemical contamination in the Dung.
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interactions between rabbits and Dung Beetles influence the establishment of erodium praecox
Journal of Arid Environments, 2009Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Mario Martinezazorin, Jorge M Lobo, Eduardo GalanteAbstract:Abstract We examine the potential for two species – the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and the Dung beetle Thorectes valencianus – to affect the establishment of Erodium praecox, an endemic plant of the Iberian Peninsula. Rabbit latrines may be considered potential maternal parent areas of E. praecox. The spatial and temporal stability for nutrients and surface irregularities caused by the activity of rabbits increases bare soil areas. A negative relation between diameter of the basal rosettes of Erodium and the distance to the centroid of latrines was observed. Rabbit latrines were important for E. praecox distribution but their effect was higher when T. valencianus burrows exist. In laboratory conditions, a higher number of seeds buried was observed in latrines with Dung Beetles, while a lower number of seeds buried was observed in bare soil. T. valencianus activity plays the role of a soil fertilizer, increasing the rate of nutrient cycling and microbial activity which could raise the rate of decomposition of pellets and result in the further release of nutrients. The excavation of the Dung Beetles increases the soil fertilization and the surface irregularities required for the seeds of E. praecox to be easily self-buried.
Jorge M Lobo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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multidimensionality in the thermal niches of Dung Beetles could limit species responses to temperature changes
bioRxiv, 2020Co-Authors: Joaquin Calatayud, Jorge Ari Noriega, Joaquin Hortal, Angel Arcones, Veronica R Espinoza, Noemi Guil, Jorge M LoboAbstract:Abstract Understanding the consequences of climate change requires understanding how temperature controls species’ responses across key biological aspects, as well as the coordination of thermal responses across these aspects. We study the role of temperature in determining the species’ diel, seasonal, and geographical occurrence, using Dung Beetles as a model system. We found that temperature has relatively low −but not negligible− effects in the three spatiotemporal scales, once accounting for alternative factors. More importantly, the estimated thermal responses were largely incongruent across scales. This shows that species have multidimensional thermal niches, entailing that adjustments to fulfil temperature requirements for one biological aspect, such as seasonal ontogenetic cycles, may result in detrimental effects on other aspects, like diel activity. These trade-offs can expose individuals to inadequate temperatures, reducing populations’ performance. Paradoxically, the relatively weak effects of temperature we found may have serious consequences for species’ responses to warming if temperature regulates essential aspects of species’ biology in divergent ways.
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biomagnification and body distribution of ivermectin in Dung Beetles
Scientific Reports, 2020Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Antonio Ortiz, Francisco SanchezpineroAbstract:A terrestrial test system to investigate the biomagnification potential and tissue-specific distribution of ivermectin, a widely used parasiticide, in the non-target Dung beetle Thorectes lusitanicus (Jekel) was developed and validated. Biomagnification kinetics of ivermectin in T. lusitanicus was investigated by following uptake, elimination, and distribution of the compound in Dung Beetles feeding on contaminated faeces. Results showed that ivermectin was biomagnified in adults of T. lusitanicus when exposed to non-lethal doses via food uptake. Ivermectin was quickly transferred from the gut to the haemolymph, generating a biomagnification factor (BMFk) three times higher in the haemolymph than in the gut after an uptake period of 12 days. The fat body appeared to exert a major role on the biomagnification of ivermectin in the insect body, showing a BMFk 1.6 times higher than in the haemolymph. The results of this study highlight that the biomagnification of ivermectin should be investigated from a global Dung-based food web perspective and that the use of these antiparasitic substances should be monitored and controlled on a precautionary basis. Thus, we suggest that an additional effort be made in the development of standardised regulatory recommendations to guide biomagnification studies in terrestrial organisms, but also that it is necessary to adapt existing methods to assess the effects of such veterinary medical products.
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first assessment of the comparative toxicity of ivermectin and moxidectin in adult Dung Beetles sub lethal symptoms and pre lethal consequences
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Francisco Sanchezpinero, Juan Martinezpinna, Antonio J Ortiz, Catherine NumaAbstract:Among macrocyclic lactones (ML), ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX) potentially affect all Ecdysozoan species, with Dung Beetles being particularly sensitive. The comparative effects of IVM and MOX on adult Dung Beetles were assessed for the first time to determine both the physiological sub-lethal symptoms and pre-lethal consequences. Inhibition of antennal response and ataxia were tested as two intuitive and ecologically relevant parameters by obtaining the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) values and interpolating other relevant toxicity thresholds derived from concentration-response curves (IC50, as the concentration of each ML where the antennal response is inhibited by half; and pLC50, as the quantity of ingested ML where partial paralysis was observed by half of treated individuals) from concentration-response curves. Both sub-lethal and pre-lethal symptoms obtained in this study coincided in that IVM was six times more toxic than MOX for adult Dung Beetles. Values of LOEC, IC50 and pLC50 obtained for IVM and MOX evaluated in an environmental context indicate that MOX, despite needing more time for tis elimination in the faeces, would be twice as harmful to Dung Beetles as IVM. This approach will be valuable to clarify the real impact of MLs on Dung beetle health and to avoid the subsequent environmental consequences.
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low doses of ivermectin cause sensory and locomotor disorders in Dung Beetles
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Antonio Ortiz, Estela Gonzalezrodriguez, Juan Martinezpinna, Francisco SanchezpineroAbstract:Ivermectin is a veterinary pharmaceutical generally used to control the ecto- and endoparasites of livestock, but its use has resulted in adverse effects on coprophilous insects, causing population decline and biodiversity loss. There is currently no information regarding the direct effects of ivermectin on Dung beetle physiology and behaviour. Here, based on electroantennography and spontaneous muscle force tests, we show sub-lethal disorders caused by ivermectin in sensory and locomotor systems of Scarabaeus cicatricosus, a key Dung beetle species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings show that ivermectin decreases the olfactory and locomotor capacity of Dung Beetles, preventing them from performing basic biological activities. These effects are observed at concentrations lower than those usually measured in the Dung of treated livestock. Taking into account that ivermectin acts on both glutamate-gated and GABA-gated chloride ion channels of nerve and muscle cells, we predict that ivermectin’s effects at the physiological level could influence many members of the Dung pat community. The results indicate that the decline of Dung beetle populations could be related to the harmful effects of chemical contamination in the Dung.
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ice age climate evolutionary constraints and diversity patterns of european Dung Beetles
Ecology Letters, 2011Co-Authors: Felizola Dinizfilho, Joaquin Hortal, Luis Mauricio Bini, Thiago F Rangel, Jorge M LoboAbstract:Current climate and Pleistocene climatic changes are both known to be associated with geographical patterns of diversity. We assess their associations with the European Scarabaeinae Dung Beetles, a group with high dispersal ability and well-known adaptations to warm environments. By assessing spatial stationarity in climate variability since the last glacial maximum (LGM), we find that current scarab richness is related to the location of their limits of thermal tolerance during the LGM. These limits mark a strong change in their current species richness‐environment relationships. Furthermore, northern scarab assemblages are nested and composed of a phylogenetically clustered subset of large-range sized generalist species, whereas southern ones are diverse and variable in composition. Our results show that species responses to current climate are limited by the evolution of assemblages that occupied relatively climatically stable areas during the Pleistocene, and by post-glacial dispersal in those that were strongly affected by glaciations.
Leigh W Simmons - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Data of Primates, Ungluates, Pheasants, Stalk-eyed flies and Onthophagine Dung Beetles
2016Co-Authors: Stefan Lüpold, Joseph L Tomkins, Leigh W Simmons, John L. FitzpatrickAbstract:Complete data sets of all species of Primates, Ungluates, Pheasants, Stalk-eyed flies and Onthophagine Dung Beetles used in this study, including data on male and female body size, testes size, male weapon size and/or sexual size dimorphism, as well as sperm length
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maternal effects on male weaponry female Dung Beetles produce major sons with longer horns when they perceive higher population density
BMC Evolutionary Biology, 2012Co-Authors: Bruno A Buzatto, Joseph L Tomkins, Leigh W SimmonsAbstract:Maternal effects are environmental influences on the phenotype of one individual that are due to the expression of genes in its mother, and are expected to evolve whenever females are better capable of assessing the environmental conditions that their offspring will experience than the offspring themselves. In the Dung beetle Onthophagus taurus, conditional male dimorphism is associated with alternative reproductive tactics: majors fight and guard females whereas minors sneak copulations. Furthermore, variation in Dung beetle population density has different fitness consequences for each male morph, and theory predicts that higher population density might select for a higher frequency of minors and/or greater expenditure on weaponry in majors. Because adult Dung Beetles provide offspring with all the nutritional resources for their development, maternal effects strongly influence male phenotype. Here we tested whether female O. taurus are capable of perceiving population density, and responding by changing the phenotype of their offspring. We found that mothers who were reared with other conspecifics in their pre-mating period produced major offspring that had longer horns across a wider range of body sizes than the major offspring of females that were reared in isolation in their pre-mating period. Moreover, our results indicate that this maternal effect on male weaponry does not operate through the amount of Dung provided by females to their offspring, but is rather transmitted through egg or brood mass composition. Finally, although theory predicts that females experiencing higher density might produce more minor males, we found no support for this, rather the best fitting models were equivocal as to whether fewer or the same proportions of minors were produced. Our study describes a new type of maternal effect in Dung Beetles, which probably allows females to respond to population density adaptively, preparing at least their major offspring for the sexual competition they will face in the future. This new type of maternal effect in Dung Beetles represents a novel transgenerational response of alternative reproductive tactics to population density.
Joseph L Tomkins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Data of Primates, Ungluates, Pheasants, Stalk-eyed flies and Onthophagine Dung Beetles
2016Co-Authors: Stefan Lüpold, Joseph L Tomkins, Leigh W Simmons, John L. FitzpatrickAbstract:Complete data sets of all species of Primates, Ungluates, Pheasants, Stalk-eyed flies and Onthophagine Dung Beetles used in this study, including data on male and female body size, testes size, male weapon size and/or sexual size dimorphism, as well as sperm length
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maternal effects on male weaponry female Dung Beetles produce major sons with longer horns when they perceive higher population density
BMC Evolutionary Biology, 2012Co-Authors: Bruno A Buzatto, Joseph L Tomkins, Leigh W SimmonsAbstract:Maternal effects are environmental influences on the phenotype of one individual that are due to the expression of genes in its mother, and are expected to evolve whenever females are better capable of assessing the environmental conditions that their offspring will experience than the offspring themselves. In the Dung beetle Onthophagus taurus, conditional male dimorphism is associated with alternative reproductive tactics: majors fight and guard females whereas minors sneak copulations. Furthermore, variation in Dung beetle population density has different fitness consequences for each male morph, and theory predicts that higher population density might select for a higher frequency of minors and/or greater expenditure on weaponry in majors. Because adult Dung Beetles provide offspring with all the nutritional resources for their development, maternal effects strongly influence male phenotype. Here we tested whether female O. taurus are capable of perceiving population density, and responding by changing the phenotype of their offspring. We found that mothers who were reared with other conspecifics in their pre-mating period produced major offspring that had longer horns across a wider range of body sizes than the major offspring of females that were reared in isolation in their pre-mating period. Moreover, our results indicate that this maternal effect on male weaponry does not operate through the amount of Dung provided by females to their offspring, but is rather transmitted through egg or brood mass composition. Finally, although theory predicts that females experiencing higher density might produce more minor males, we found no support for this, rather the best fitting models were equivocal as to whether fewer or the same proportions of minors were produced. Our study describes a new type of maternal effect in Dung Beetles, which probably allows females to respond to population density adaptively, preparing at least their major offspring for the sexual competition they will face in the future. This new type of maternal effect in Dung Beetles represents a novel transgenerational response of alternative reproductive tactics to population density.
Catherine Numa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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first assessment of the comparative toxicity of ivermectin and moxidectin in adult Dung Beetles sub lethal symptoms and pre lethal consequences
Scientific Reports, 2018Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Francisco Sanchezpinero, Juan Martinezpinna, Antonio J Ortiz, Catherine NumaAbstract:Among macrocyclic lactones (ML), ivermectin (IVM) and moxidectin (MOX) potentially affect all Ecdysozoan species, with Dung Beetles being particularly sensitive. The comparative effects of IVM and MOX on adult Dung Beetles were assessed for the first time to determine both the physiological sub-lethal symptoms and pre-lethal consequences. Inhibition of antennal response and ataxia were tested as two intuitive and ecologically relevant parameters by obtaining the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) values and interpolating other relevant toxicity thresholds derived from concentration-response curves (IC50, as the concentration of each ML where the antennal response is inhibited by half; and pLC50, as the quantity of ingested ML where partial paralysis was observed by half of treated individuals) from concentration-response curves. Both sub-lethal and pre-lethal symptoms obtained in this study coincided in that IVM was six times more toxic than MOX for adult Dung Beetles. Values of LOEC, IC50 and pLC50 obtained for IVM and MOX evaluated in an environmental context indicate that MOX, despite needing more time for tis elimination in the faeces, would be twice as harmful to Dung Beetles as IVM. This approach will be valuable to clarify the real impact of MLs on Dung beetle health and to avoid the subsequent environmental consequences.
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low doses of ivermectin cause sensory and locomotor disorders in Dung Beetles
Scientific Reports, 2015Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Vieyle Cortez, Jeanpierre Lumaret, Jorge M Lobo, Antonio Ortiz, Estela Gonzalezrodriguez, Juan Martinezpinna, Francisco SanchezpineroAbstract:Ivermectin is a veterinary pharmaceutical generally used to control the ecto- and endoparasites of livestock, but its use has resulted in adverse effects on coprophilous insects, causing population decline and biodiversity loss. There is currently no information regarding the direct effects of ivermectin on Dung beetle physiology and behaviour. Here, based on electroantennography and spontaneous muscle force tests, we show sub-lethal disorders caused by ivermectin in sensory and locomotor systems of Scarabaeus cicatricosus, a key Dung beetle species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings show that ivermectin decreases the olfactory and locomotor capacity of Dung Beetles, preventing them from performing basic biological activities. These effects are observed at concentrations lower than those usually measured in the Dung of treated livestock. Taking into account that ivermectin acts on both glutamate-gated and GABA-gated chloride ion channels of nerve and muscle cells, we predict that ivermectin’s effects at the physiological level could influence many members of the Dung pat community. The results indicate that the decline of Dung beetle populations could be related to the harmful effects of chemical contamination in the Dung.
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interactions between rabbits and Dung Beetles influence the establishment of erodium praecox
Journal of Arid Environments, 2009Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Mario Martinezazorin, Jorge M Lobo, Eduardo GalanteAbstract:Abstract We examine the potential for two species – the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus and the Dung beetle Thorectes valencianus – to affect the establishment of Erodium praecox, an endemic plant of the Iberian Peninsula. Rabbit latrines may be considered potential maternal parent areas of E. praecox. The spatial and temporal stability for nutrients and surface irregularities caused by the activity of rabbits increases bare soil areas. A negative relation between diameter of the basal rosettes of Erodium and the distance to the centroid of latrines was observed. Rabbit latrines were important for E. praecox distribution but their effect was higher when T. valencianus burrows exist. In laboratory conditions, a higher number of seeds buried was observed in latrines with Dung Beetles, while a lower number of seeds buried was observed in bare soil. T. valencianus activity plays the role of a soil fertilizer, increasing the rate of nutrient cycling and microbial activity which could raise the rate of decomposition of pellets and result in the further release of nutrients. The excavation of the Dung Beetles increases the soil fertilization and the surface irregularities required for the seeds of E. praecox to be easily self-buried.
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roles of endothermy in niche differentiation for ball rolling Dung Beetles coleoptera scarabaeidae along an altitudinal gradient
Ecological Entomology, 2007Co-Authors: José R. Verdú, Catherine Numa, Lucrecia Arellano, Estefania MicoAbstract:1. An analysis of whether niche differentiation in ball-rolling Dung Beetles can be explained by the way in which they regulate their body temperature was conducted. 2. A priori assumptions were: (i) if thermoregulation affects niche partitioning, sympatric species must have different endothermic strategies that minimise encounters; or, alternatively (ii) if two co-occurring species show the same thermoregulation pattern and their flight periods overlap, they might be avoiding competition by exhibiting different resource preferences or different food relocation behaviour. 3. The ball-rolling Dung Beetles studied showed a hierarchical structure based on the species’ endothermic capacity, measured as temperature excess [Tex= difference between body temperature (Tb) and ambient temperature (Ta)]. Those with a high Tex (10–15 °C) were located exclusively at altitudes >1000 m a.s.l. On the coastal plains, species with a high Tex were restricted to flying at night when the Ta was lower. Species with a lower Tex (less than 10 °C higher than Ta) were found in the coastal plains zone. 4. Where there was sympatry with similar trophic habits, the species involved showed very different thermal niches, and where there was significant overlap of thermal niches between sympatric species, trophic habits of species were very different. 5. The results suggest that it is possible to use the concept of the thermal niche as a tool to explain interspecific interactions and the spatial distribution of species.
