Exoskeleton may influence the internal body temperatures of Neotropical dung beetles (Col. Scarabaeinae).

ABSTRACT: The insect exoskeleton is a multifunctional coat with a continuum of mechanical and structural properties constituting the barrier between electromagnetic waves and the internal body parts. This paper examines the ability of beetle exoskeleton to regulate internal body temperature considering its thermal permeability or isolation to simulated solar irradiance and infrared radiation. Seven Neotropical species of dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae) differing in colour, surface sculptures, size, sexual dimorphism, period of activity, guild category and altitudinal distribution were studied. Specimens were repeatedly subjected to heating trials under simulated solar irradiance and infrared radiation using a halogen neodymium bulb light with a balanced daylight spectrum and a ceramic infrar

SUBMITTER: Amore V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5438579 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature