Decomposition Food Webs in Nicrophorus Beetles Using Isotope Analysis
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Rosemary Smith
Abstract
Nicrophorus burying beetles members of the carrion-feeding Silphidae family. These beetles play a key role in decomposition food webs through their interactions with dead animals and recycling of nutrients. Isotopic signatures are an advanced method in understanding how linkages in these food webs can be connected and can also help us to understand new connections between species that were previously unknown. In this study, we conducted isotopic analysis on multiple species of Nicrophorus beetles and small mammals to develop a database of known isotopic signatures. We then raised broods of beetles on known carcasses and ran isotopic analysis to establish a control signature that was then used to compare unknown wild caught samples of burying beetles to construct a more comprehensive food web and aid in understanding of their ecology. Preliminary analysis of these data suggest that it is possible to accurately hypothesize what these beetles may have been raised on as young larvae, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of life history for these species. This study provides key information on the ecology of Nicrophorus- identifying patterns of carcass utilization, niche overlap among species, and geographical distributions.
Decomposition Food Webs in Nicrophorus Beetles Using Isotope Analysis
Nicrophorus burying beetles members of the carrion-feeding Silphidae family. These beetles play a key role in decomposition food webs through their interactions with dead animals and recycling of nutrients. Isotopic signatures are an advanced method in understanding how linkages in these food webs can be connected and can also help us to understand new connections between species that were previously unknown. In this study, we conducted isotopic analysis on multiple species of Nicrophorus beetles and small mammals to develop a database of known isotopic signatures. We then raised broods of beetles on known carcasses and ran isotopic analysis to establish a control signature that was then used to compare unknown wild caught samples of burying beetles to construct a more comprehensive food web and aid in understanding of their ecology. Preliminary analysis of these data suggest that it is possible to accurately hypothesize what these beetles may have been raised on as young larvae, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of life history for these species. This study provides key information on the ecology of Nicrophorus- identifying patterns of carcass utilization, niche overlap among species, and geographical distributions.