DISTRIBUCION ALTITUDINAL Y ESTACIONAL DE LOS INSECTOS NECROFILOS EN LA SIERRA NORTE DE HIDALGO, MEXICO

Abstract

The leaf-cuttíng ant Atta mexicana (F. Smith) removes the colony refuse out of the nest, forming typical mounds that attract many animáis. The purpose of this work was to study the insects living in the detritus. Forty nine species belonging in 9 orders were found; Coleptera constituted 51% of the total number of species, Collembola 16.3% and Díptera 10.2%. According to the developmental stages found in the refuse mounds, three categories were established: permanent, temporal and casual species. The entomofauna is aiso divided in oblígate and facultativa ¡nquilines. Seasonal populatíon changes are described taking the mound as a unit and divídíng it in three levels. The highest abundance was found in the dry and cool season. Trophíc categories are established for the entomofauna. The shelter and food resource roles that detritus play in the area are díscussed. The known information on insects associated with Atta refuse mounds is tabulated.