Eur. J. Entomol. 92 (4): 667-679, 1995
Nesting behaviour, ontogeny and life-cycle of Onthophagus stylocerus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
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Reproductive biology, nesting and ontogenetic development of Onthophagus stylocerus Gräells, 1851 are studied under laboratory conditions. The species is univoltine. Egg-laying begins at the end of May and lasts until July. The development from oviposition to image takes 7-10 weeks. The aestivation of the offspring is combined with hibernation of emergent adults.
As with many other Onthophagini, sexual cooperation and food relocation for larval supply plays an important role in the nesting behaviour of O. stylocerus. Nest type may follow any of four patterns, involving: one or more entrance tunnels, branching and brood mass location. Pattern 1: simple, without branching; 1 to 5 brood-masses per nest; moderate depth: 60-160 mm. Pattern 2: simple, with branching but without brood masses in the stretch closest to the surface; 3-9 brood masses;depth: 100-315 mm. Pattern 3: simple, with branching, and brood masses in the stretch of tunnel closest to the surface; 6-7 brood masses; depth 130-220 mm, frequently 200-220 mm. Pattern 4: complex, with one or several entrance tunnels intersecting the main shaft at different levels or converging from the surface to the same brood mass; 10-14 brood masses; depth 280 mm.
Early spring emergence of O. stylocerus gives the larvae the time necessary to complete their development before the arrival of the Mediterranean mountain winter, and enables adults to avoid the severe competition which structures coprophagous communities in the late spring.
Keywords: Behaviour, nesting, life-cycle, competition, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Onthophagus
Accepted: March 5, 1995; Published: November 30, 1995 Show citation
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