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

Dung beetles have recently been used far controlling dung in pastures. Based on this fact the AfroAsian beetle, Digitonthophagus gazella, was introduced in Texas in 1972 far the first time in the American Continent. lt was subsequently released in other parts of the U.S.A. lt was recorded far the first time in 1981 in Mexico. The dispersa! of this species in Mexico 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 Mexico, the Mexican High Plateau and the Plains of the Pacific); and up to now a secondary dispersal route, the Balsas River Depression. lts 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 Petén, Guatemala, in 1987.