New data and observations on kleptoparasitic behaviour in dung beetles from temperate regions (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)

In this note, new data from field observations are provided on cytoparasitism in various species from temperate areas of the Palearctic region: Aphodius (Calamosternus) granarius (l., 1767), Onthophagus maki (llliger, 1803), O. taurus (Schreber, 1759) and O. furcatus (Fabricicus, 1781).This is the first reliable record of this type of behavior in the Palearctic region, among species of Scarabaeidae: the paracoprid species {Onthophagus) have been found kleptoparasitizing a wheeler { Scarabaeus cicatricosus]. These data have made it possible to discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of this behavior, «malidating whether kleptoparasitism should be considered as a fortuitous encounter of resources or an optional or obligatory strategy of active search for them.