Comprehensive Functional Trait Dataset of Atlantic Forest Dung Beetles

Here we present the ATLANTIC DUNG BEETLE TRAITS dataset, a comprehensive compilation of morphological and ecological traits for dung beetles within the Atlantic Forest. The dataset includes measurements from 1,398 individuals up to 385 taxa, featuring 47 functional traits. It combines a novel dataset with data from 29 published articles between 2011 and 2024. Canthon (Francmonrosia) rutilans cyanescens Schmidt, 1922 and Dichotomius (Selenocopris) sericeus (Harold, 1867) had the highest number of records (n=38). The tribes Deltochilini and Coprini were the most represented, with 522 and 473 individuals, respectively. The most frequently recorded functional trait was relocation behavior (n=1,041), with dung beetles being predominantly tunnelers (n=560). The period of activity showed a majority of diurnal species (n=335), and categorical body size data indicated a predominance of small beetles (n=277). For dietary habits, most beetles were coprophagic (n=419). Continuous traits like mean biomass were also significant, with 369 observations and an average biomass of 0.109 grams. Brazil accounted for the majority of studies (n=26), particularly in the states of Santa Catarina (n=8), Bahia (n=5), and São Paulo (n=4). Argentina contributed notably, especially from the province of Misiones (n=4). By providing detailed information on neotropical dung beetles, this dataset opens new avenues for research on the impacts of anthropogenic activities, macroecological patterns, and climate change. It supports evidence-based decision-making for biodiversity assessment, management, and conservation in the Atlantic Forest.本研究公开了大西洋森林蜣螂功能性状数据集（ATLANTIC DUNG BEETLE TRAITS dataset），这是一套针对大西洋森林内蜣螂的形态与生态功能性状的综合汇编数据集。该数据集涵盖了385个分类单元的1398头个体的测量数据，共包含47项功能性状。本数据集将全新采集的原始数据与2011至2024年间发表的29篇文献中的数据进行了整合。其中，Canthon (Francmonrosia) rutilans cyanescens Schmidt, 1922与Dichotomius (Selenocopris) sericeus (Harold, 1867)的记录量最高，均为38条。三角蜣螂族（Deltochilini）与粪金龟族（Coprini）的个体样本量最为丰富，分别包含522头与473头个体。出现频次最高的功能性状为粪球搬运行为（n=1041），其中绝大多数蜣螂为隧道型种类（n=560）。活动周期方面，昼行性物种占多数（n=335）；基于分类的体型数据显示，小型蜣螂占据主导地位（n=277）。食性方面，多数个体为粪食性（n=419）。诸如平均生物量等连续型性状同样具有重要研究价值，共包含369条观测记录，其平均生物量为0.109克。本数据集的采样研究主要集中于巴西（n=26），其中圣卡塔琳娜州（n=8）、巴伊亚州（n=5）与圣保罗州（n=4）的采样占比最高；阿根廷亦贡献了可观的样本量，尤其是来自米西奥内斯省的样本（n=4）。本数据集为新热带区蜣螂提供了详尽的基础研究资料，为探究人类活动影响、宏观生态学格局以及气候变化相关研究开辟了全新方向，同时可为大西洋森林的生物多样性评估、管理与保护提供循证决策支持。