LE3 .A278 1999

1999

Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

In this study I use an exploratory approach for examining habitat use at multiple scales by modeling two responses of adult forked fungus beetles: the incidence of beetles and the number of individuals counted in units of habitat. Characteristics of the sporophores (size and decay) were important for the beetles at all scales examined, however, the ability to describe patterns of habitat use increased with scale. I also used an experimental approach to more closely examine the influence of sporophore decay on the oviposition behaviour and nightly activity of the forked fungus beetle. In a field experiment, I presented pairs of adult beetles housed in enclosures sporophore combinations of varying decay levels. In another field experiment I presented adult beetles, housed in arenas, with 3 sporophores that differed in their level of decay and were attached to logs. I counted their positions during the night and observed that both males and females congregate in areas near live and intact sporophores. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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