Indigenous and introduced dung beetles (Coleoptera: scarabaeidae) of temperate Australia: A review of biology, importance and effect of climate change on population distributions.

Abstract

<p>Both indigenous and introduced Australian dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) play an important role in agricultural systems. Temperate grasslands in Australia are expected to have some of the greatest increases in temperature and reduction in precipitation due to climate change which may directly threaten dung beetles. Several biotic and abiotic factors affect the development of larvae and fitness of young dung beetles. To understand if dung beetles can continue to provide ecosystem services across temperate Australia under changing management and climate, we review what is known about their life history traits that will facilitate their adaption. <br /><br /> We believe dung beetles will continue to provide valuable ecosystem services and have potential to aid in adapting and alleviating the impacts on crops and pastures from reduced and sporadic rainfall. However, the level of function, may be impeded due to climatic stress and a loss of diversity with thermal specialists and some indigenous species, expected to be displaced into narrower ranges. An increase in feeding competition from thermal generalists and introduced species will likely implement this movement. The evidence from naturalised introduced species indicate behavioural adaptations and/or phenotypic plasticity suggest some species will continuing to provide services that improve pasture production despite changes to climate. Ongoing monitoring of phenological shifts will inform adaptive management of this vital group.</p>