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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Spatiotemporal patterns of dung beetle diversity in the Bhedaghat region of Jabalpur, Central India
Authors
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Dr. Arjun Shukla
Abstract
Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) play a
pivotal role in ecosystem functioning by facilitating nutrient cycling,
secondary seed dispersal, soil aeration, and suppression of parasites. Their
community structure and distribution are strongly influenced by a complex
interplay of abiotic and biotic factors, including temperature, soil
characteristics, moisture regimes, rainfall patterns, and the availability of
dung resources. Owing to their sensitivity to environmental changes, dung
beetles are widely recognized as reliable bioindicators of habitat quality and
ecosystem health. The present study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns of
dung beetle diversity in the Bhedaghat region of Jabalpur, Central India, a
unique rocky riverine landscape associated with the Narmada basin. Systematic
faunistic surveys were conducted from July 2017 to October 2018 using manual
collection and baited pitfall trapping techniques across multiple habitats. A
total of 824 individuals representing 16 species, 10 genera, and three
subfamilies were documented. The assemblage was dominated by the subfamily
Scarabaeinae, indicating its ecological adaptability and functional
significance in the region. Species distribution exhibited notable spatial
heterogeneity and temporal variation, likely driven by seasonal climatic
factors and resource availability. The findings highlight the ecological
importance of dung beetle communities in maintaining ecosystem processes and
underscore their potential as indicators for monitoring biodiversity loss and
environmental degradation in central Indian landscapes.
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Pages:551-554
How to cite this article:
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Dr. Arjun Shukla "Spatiotemporal patterns of dung beetle diversity in the Bhedaghat region of Jabalpur, Central India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 551-554
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