Center for Systematic Entomology, Gainesville, Florida
Date of this Version
4-25-2007
Abstract
Mutual grooming in two genera of silvanid beetles is described, and appears to be the first report of this behavior in the order Coleoptera. In Uleiota debilis (LeConte), allogrooming recipients were either stationary or moved away during the acts, without solicitation or facilitation. In Nausibius major Zimmermann, allogrooming was much more extensive and the individual being groomed appeared to facilitate the process by immobility or by changes in posture, there were no recognizable sexual overtones, no solicitations, and no avoidance movements. Gregarious behaviors of some other silvanid beetles are reviewed.
Comments
Insecta Mundi, published by the Center for Systematic Entomology, is available online at http://centerforsystematicentomology.org/. Copyright © by B. Valentine.