Evolution of Microgeographic Races Without Isolation in a Coastal Dune Beetle
Doyen JT and Slobodchikoff CN. 1984. Evolution of Microgeographic Races Without Isolation in a Coastal Dune Beetle. Journal of Biogeography. 11(1):13-25
Microgeographic races of the coastal dune beetle Coelus ciliatus (Tenebrionidae) from different types of dunes differ in population density, temperature preference, patterns of dispersion and probably in other ecological characters. Populations from different substrates are reproductively compatible in the laboratory, even when originating from diverse parts of their natural range. Size variation in Coelus ciliatus appears to be adapted to several edaphic factors. The per cent of organic matter, which strongly affects friability of the sand, is probably most important. Sand characteristics and changes in beetle body size occur gradually along a coastal to inland transect at most localities. At the Santa Maria Dunes, where a recently produced, aeolian formation is encroaching on an older, stabilized dune system, highly significant size differences occur over distances of a few metres. The populations inhabiting the aeolian and stabilized dunes, respectively, are among the largest and smallest observed throughout the range of the species.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Doyen, J; Slobodchikoff, C
- Units
- GOGA , PORE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, coastal dune beetle (Coelus ciliatus), Distribution, Habitats, Population Density, Size