Scarabaeid
beetles constitute an ecologically significant component of terrestrial
ecosystems, yet their functional roles within rapidly urbanizing landscapes
remain insufficiently documented. This study investigates the ecological roles
of Coprophagous and Phytophagous Scarabaeid beetles across diverse habitats
within the Pune District of Maharashtra, India. Systematic sampling was
conducted in agricultural fields, grasslands, forest fragments, and peri-urban
zones to assess species composition, abundance, and functional contributions.
Coprophagous species were found to enhance soil nutrient cycling, facilitate
organic matter breakdown, and support secondary seed dispersal, thereby improving
soil structure and fertility. In contrast, phytophagous Scarabaeid beetles
played dual roles: while contributing to plant litter removal and nutrient
turnover, some species exhibited herbivory that influenced local vegetation
dynamics. Spatiotemporal analyses revealed that land-use patterns,
microclimatic conditions, and resource availability strongly shaped beetle
community structure, with a noticeable decline in functional diversity in
heavily modified landscapes. Overall, the findings highlight the indispensable
roles of Scarabaeid beetles in sustaining soil health, regulating nutrient
cycles, and maintaining ecosystem stability around the Pune District. The study
underscores the need for habitatsensitive conservation strategies to preserve
these functionally important insect guilds amidst increasing anthropogenic
pressures.
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