A preliminary study of the invasion and dispersa of Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius, 1787) in Mexico (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

Abstract

Dung beetles have recently been used for controlling dung in pastures. Based on this fact the Afro-Asian beetle, Digitonthophagus gazella was introduced in Texas in 1972 for the first time in the American Continent. It was subsequently released in other parts of the U.S.A. tt was recorded for the first time in 1981 in México. The dispersal of this species in México has radiated from two introduction sites in the U.S.A. (Texas and California) and has followed three main dispersal routes (Plains of the Gulf of México, the Mexican High Plateau and the Plains of the Pacific); and up to now a secondary dispersal route, the Balsas River Depression. Its dispersal rate has been variable, although very high in general, so that in seven years it has crossed the country from one end to another along the Atlantic slope, and has invaded the Retén, Guatemala, in 1987.