ANDIV2: Patterns and drivers of the elevational diversity of dung beetles and dung flies in the Peruvian Andes

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Marcell Peters
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460918325

Holometabolous insects account for a large part of the total number of terrestrial species but the factors determining the variation in diversity in this group are still poorly resolved. The ANDIV2 project will study the patterns and drivers of the diversity of dung beetles and dung flies along a complete rainforest elevational gradient in the Peruvian Andes. It will be tested if climate, food resource abundance, and land area influence the establishment and maintenance of diversity gradients. As they use a clearly defined food resource, which can be quantified and manipulated, and because of their high but feasible species diversity, dung insects represent good model taxa to test among major alternative hypotheses.Dung beetles and dung flies will be sampled in both dry and rainy seasons with baited pitfall traps. Individuals will be separated into different species with the help of DNA barcoding. By combining sound taxonomic identification with measurements of functional traits (thermal limits, body size and colour, resource specialization), phylogenetic data and mesocosm experiments on dung decomposition, different mechanisms underlying diversity gradients can be tested. Furthermore, in cooperation with ANDIV4, ANDIV2 will analyse elevational changes in the microbiome of dung insects, which have been shown to benefit from mutualistic relationships with bacteria. In concert with the ANDIV1, and ANDIV3-4 projects and in close collaboration with Peruvian cooperation partners, ANDIV2 will contribute to our understanding of the drivers of the holometabolous insects and their microbiomes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Canada, Peru
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Jeremy DeWaard, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Gerardo Lamas; Dr. Ximo Mengual; Dr. Lily O. Rodríguez