Stridulation in the adult dung beetle Aphodius ater (Col., Aphodiidae)

The adult dung beetle Aphodius ater (De Geer) stridulates at a very low intensity. The morphology of the stridulatory apparatus was analysed with the scanning electron microscope. This apparatus is abdomino-alary with the plectrum on the abdomen scraping against the pars stridens on the hind wings. The stridulation was recorded as vibrations on the elytra of the beetles by laser vibrometry. The single syllables, 40-85 ms each, are repeated with a frequency of 7-11 Hz. The vibrations are transmitted over a distance of a few millimeters in sheep dung, the natural habitat of the beetle. The stridulation can be elicited either by disturbance or by the presence of a conspecific within the dung.