Dung and carrion beetles of the rain forest of French Guiana: composition and structure of the guild

A guild of neotropical rain forest dung and carrion beetles, has been studied in a locality of undisturbed rain forest in French Guiana. A total of 87 species was captured. Scarabaeidae with 76 species were the most numerous;Aphodiidae and other minor families were rare. Species diversity and equitability were high and showed small variation with seasons. Tunneller species ( 48 species) were larger and more numerous than roller species (18 species) and dwellers. Food preferences, and activity rhythm of species were described.