New Geographical Distribution of Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) from Indian States
Devanshu Gupta
Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhavan, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India.
Priyanka Ghosh *
Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhavan, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India.
Irtiza Wani
Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhavan, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India.
Shipra Sonali
University of Calcutta, Kolkata, 35, Ballygunge Circular Rd., Ballygunge, Kolkata - 700019, West Bengal, India
Supriyo Deb
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Khardaha, West Bengal 700118, India.
Asim Kumar Ghosh
Zoological Survey of India, Prani Vigyan Bhavan, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Dung beetles, belonging to the subfamily Scarabaeinae, represent a globally distributed group of insects known for their scavenging behaviour, feeding primarily on animal excrement. Their ecological importance lies in their central role in recycling organic matter, with a particular focus on manure. A total of 6,886 species of this subfamily have been discovered, of which over 450 species are reported from India. In the present work, a total of 27 dung beetle species belonging to 8 genera from different Indian states are examined. These results are based on recent collections carried out as part of faunal surveys at various sites. The state distribution of the dung beetle is revised based on the material and literature records. This study documented the current status of some of the dung beetles in peninsular India and is intended to help properly discuss the scarab beetle diversity in the future. Through intensive investigations into unexplored areas, more Scarabaeinae species are expected in the future.
Keywords: Dung beetles, Scarabaeinae, distribution, Coleoptera, India