Population trends and flight behavior of the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus (Coleoptera: Silphidae), on Block Island, RI
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
12-1-2006
Abstract
The endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus, was monitored on Block Island, RI, USA, from 1991-2003 using mark-recapture population estimates of adults collected in pitfall traps. Populations increased through time, especially after 1994 when a program was initiated that provided carrion for beetle production. Beetle captures increased with increasing temperature and dew point, and decreased with increasing wind speed. Short distance movement was not related to wind direction, while longer distance flights tended to be downwind. Although many individuals flew considerable distances along transects, most recaptures were in traps near the point of release. These behaviors probably have counterbalancing effects on population estimates. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Insect Conservation
Volume
10
Issue
4
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Raithel, Christopher J., Howard S. Ginsberg, and Ming Lee Prospero. "Population trends and flight behavior of the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus (Coleoptera: Silphidae), on Block Island, RI." Journal of Insect Conservation 10, 4 (2006). doi: 10.1007/s10841-006-9001-5.