Burying Beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) from Western Jalisco, Mexico: Abundance and Phenology

摘要

In order to know the species of Silphidae (Coleoptera) in Western Jalisco, Mexico a study was carried out from November, 2003 to December, 2004. Carrion traps baited with squid were used. Four species were collected, Nicrophorus mexicanus, N olidus, Thanatophilus truncatus, and Oxelytrum discicolle. Nicrophorus olidus was the most common species; it was collected throughout the year at every single location. Nicrophorus mexicanus is more common at higher altitudes, while N olidus is more abundant inlower locations. Male: female ratios for each species were: 0. discicolle'(0.34), T.truncatus (3),N mexicanus (0.38), zndN olidus (0.94). N. mexicanus is bigger thani N. olidus (mean: 15.04 mm and 13.43 mm, p< 0.01). N mexicanus was more common in May and June; while N olidus was more common from July to January. Species of Silphinae were less common. The least common species was Thanatophilus trucatus with only 4 specimens in one location.