Spatiotemporal distribution of necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae, Silphidae) assemblages in natural habitats of central Spain

Abstract

The composition, spatial distribution, and seasonal fluctuations of necrophagous Coleoptera assemblages of families Dermestidae and Silphidae are studied along a bioclimatical level gradient of natural habitats in central Spain. Both families were collected with carrion-baited traps throughout a year. The main part of the individuals occurred in spring and summer, but silphids showed different seasonal patterns depending on the bioclimatical level. The assemblage composition also differs depending on the bioclimatical level with two distinguishable groups: one corresponding to mesomediterranean habitats and the other to supramediterranean and oromediterranean habitats. The most abundant species of Dermestidae are well represented at every bioclimatical level, whereas some species of Silphidae appear to have a preference for some habitats. Such differences in spatial and temporal patterns between both families could be because of their different food and carcass size preferences.