Brett C. Ratcliffe

Distribution, Ecology and Population Dynamics of the American Burying Beetle [Nicrophorus Americanus Olivier (Coleoptera, Silphidae)] in South-central Nebraska, USA

The endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier, was previously widespread throughout eastern North America. In the past century numbers of this beetle have drastically declined and currently remnant populations are known from only six states despite intensive surveying efforts conducted for the last nine years. Efforts aimed at discovering and managing remnant populations have been generally limited by a lack of knowledge concerning N. americanus biology. We used baited pitfall traps to define the range of the Gothenburg, Nebraska population of N. americanus. Using mark-recapture techniques, we estimate that the annual Gothenburg population consists of more than one thousand individuals, meeting the recovery plan criterion to become the third breeding population in the Midwest region. Beyond estimates of population size and range, we present novel data on seasonal and daily activity, sex ratio, age-grading and foraging distances. In 1995 and 1996, the Nebraska population was univoltine and female biased, with over-wintering mature beetles emerging in early June and teneral beetles emerging in August. Nocturnal activity was highest in the third and fourth hours following sunset but was not strongly correlated with temperature. During foraging, beetles travel up to six kilometers, but the majority of our recaptures occurred at distances of less than 0.5 km, suggesting that distances between traps be increased to ensure independence of sampling units. This information will allow future work on captive breeding, re-introduction and genetic studies.

A New Sampling Protocol for the Endangered American Burying Beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier (Coleoptera: Silphidae)

Abstract The endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus Olivier, presently occurs in small and widely scattered areas on the periphery of its former range. As part of the recovery plan for this insect implemented by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), we conducted surveys in Nebraska to ascertain its presence. Additionally, we examined various trapping methods and procedures in the course of our survey work. We compared the effectiveness of different trap designs, trap placement, timing of trapping, types and amounts of bait, and monitoring traps. We also developed methods to reduce beetle mortality in traps. Our work offers more effective sampling procedures for N. americanus and suggests the current USFWS sampling protocol should be modified. New procedures include larger traps, moist soil substrate, a soil berm to the edge of the trap, longer trapping season, and increased distances between traps. A moist soil substrate, in combination with a shade-giving rain cover, precludes the necessity of servicing all traps by 9 AM each day (as mandated in the current protocol), a task that is logistically difficult or impossible if there are many traps. The sampling procedures we have identified as most appropriate for N. americanus will also improve sampling for other silphid species.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LARVAE OF HOPLOPYGA SINGULARIS (GORY AND PERCHERON) AND HOLOGYMNETIS CINEREA (GORY AND PERCHERON) WITH A REVISED KEY TO THE LARVAE OF NEW WORLD GYMNETINI (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE: CETONIINAE)

Abstract The larvae of two cetoniine scarab beetles, Hoplopyga singularis (Gory and Percheron) from Brazil and Hologymnetis cinerea (Gory and Percheron) from Mexico, are described. The latter is the first description of a larva in this genus. Both of these species are included in a revised key to the larvae of New World Gymnetini (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), which now includes ten species in eight genera.

Observations on the tunnel morphology of Heterocerus brunneus Melsheimer (Coleoptera; Heteroceridae) and its paleoecological significance

The burrow structures of Heterocerus brunneus Melsheimer and its larvae are described from both field (northeastern Kansas) and laboratory habitats. These are further interpreted in light of known North American heterocerid biology. Two important observations are that significant features of any one burrow varied with the consistency (especially the water content) of the substrate, and that different insects were making superficially similar burrows at the same field site. It would require exceptional preservation, or associated body parts, to positively identify fossil traces of these structures as heterocerid burrows, but their general pattern should be readily recognized as foraging traces in even the most degraded preservations.

ORYCTOANTIQUUS BOREALIS , NEW GENUS AND SPECIES FROM THE EOCENE OF OREGON, U.S.A., THE WORLD’S OLDEST FOSSIL DYNASTINE AND LARGEST FOSSIL SCARABAEID (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE: DYNASTINAE)

Abstract Oryctoantiquus borealis Ratcliffe and Smith is described as a new genus and new species of fossil dynastine Scarabaeidae from West Branch Creek of the Middle Eocene Clarno Formation (44.6–46.8 Ma) of north-central Oregon, U.S.A. This specimen is the oldest specimen attributable to the subfamily Dynastinae and the largest fossil in the family Scarabaeidae.

More New Species of Cyclocephala Dejean, 1821 from South America (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini)

Abstract Cyclocephala acoma Ratcliffe (Bolivia), C. carlsoni Ratcliffe (French Guiana), C. chera Ratcliffe (Guyana), C. chiquitita Ratcliffe (Ecuador), C. compacta Ratcliffe (Brazil), C. hielkemaorum Ratcliffe (French Guiana), C. melanopoda Ratcliffe (Ecuador), C. monacha Ratcliffe (Colombia), C. perplexa Ratcliffe (Bolivia), and C. saltini Ratcliffe (Peru) are described as new species. A description, diagnosis, and illustrations are provided for each new species.

Scarab Beetles in Human Culture

Abstract The use of scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) by primarily pre- and non-industrial peoples throughout the world is reviewed. These uses consist of (1) religion and folklore, (2) folk medicine, (3) food, and (4) regalia and body ornamentation. The use of scarabs in religion or cosmology, once widespread in ancient Egypt, exists only rarely today in other cultures. Scarabs have a minor role in folk medicine today although they may have been more important in the past. The predominant utilization of these beetles today, and probably in the past as well, is as food with emphasis on the larval stage. Lastly, particularly large or brightly colored scarabs (or their parts) are used (mostly in the New World) to adorn the body or as regalia.

A Review of the Genus Hylamorpha Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini: Brachysternina)

Abstract The southern Neotropical genus Hylamorpha (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini: Brachysternina) is comprehensively reviewed. Hylamorpha elegans (Burmeister) is now the only species in the genus with H. cylindrica Arrow entered into new synonymy. Hylamorpha elegans var. australis Philippi is recognized as an unavailable name. Hylamorpha elegans is established as the type species for the genus, and a neotype for H. elegans is designated. Nomenclatural history, descriptions, illustrations, and commentary are included.

A REVIEW OF THE NEOTROPICAL GENUS NEOCORVICOANA RATCLIFFE AND MICO, NEW GENUS (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE: CETONIINAE: GYMNETINI)

Abstract The southern Neotropical cetoniine genus Neocorvicoana Ratcliffe and Micó new genus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) is established for three species previously placed in Corvicoana Strand, 1934 (nomen nudum) and Gymnetis MacLeay, 1819: N. chalybea (Kirby), N. reticulata (Schürhoff), and N. tricolor (Schürhoff), new combinations. The type species of the new genus is N. reticulata (Kirby). Corvicoana rudolfi (Frölich) is transferred to the genus Gymnetis. Corvicoana suavis (Schürhoff) and C. castanea (Schürhoff) are junior synonyms of N. chalybea. We include a taxonomic key to the species, nomenclatural history, descriptions, illustrations, and commentary.

Disproportionate Relative Importance of a Terrestrial Beetle Family (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) as a Prey Source for Central Appalachian Brook Trout

Abstract Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and other salmonids in Appalachia typically inhabit headwater watersheds, where food resources may limit growth. We monitored the feeding trends of a brook trout population in central Appalachia over the course of 2 years to determine variation in feeding intensity and important prey items. One terrestrial beetle family, Scarabaeidae, provided a disproportionate amount of energy during the only time of year when brook trout were feeding substantially above maintenance ration. Scarab beetles contributed 39.6% of all energy consumed during May and June of both years, though the number of fish with one or more scarabaeids present in the stomach varied by month (22.2–51.7%). The species composition of scarab beetles consumed suggested that four species are of particular importance. Our findings imply that scarabaeids represent a considerably important prey taxon for brook trout in the region. Considering the foraging habits of the scarabaeid species in question, the ...