The evolution of parental behaviour in Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae): an experimental approach

Dung beetle lifestyles are reviewed. Most Scarabaeinae lay their eggs in dung masses that are packed into underground chambers, but Coprini and Scarabaeini typically lay their eggs in free‐standing brood balls and it is in these tribes that parental care of the brood has evolved. Brood balls are constructed by aggregating fragments of dung. This technique is derived from the method of gathering dung at the surface. Larvae developing in brood balls are better protected against dehydration and parasite attack. The repair technique of Scarabaeine larvae preadapts them to life in brood balls. Parental care by Copris lunaris depends on appropriate responses by the female to the brood, and it has the selective advantage of protecting the brood against parasites. Preadaptations for parental care in‘non‐brooding'Coprini are discussed. Variations in the basic Copris nesting behaviour are summarized. Similar variations can occur spontaneously in C.lunaris and can also be released by unusual circumstances. C.lunaris females could in principle cooperate but certain factors have prevented this social evolution. The significance of the transient cooperation with the male beetle is discussed.