Spatial and temporal variation in species composition of dung beetle assemblages in southern Ireland

1. This study attempts to identify the main community characteristics that contribute to variability in dung beetle assemblage composition and structu re across a range of spatial and temporal scales. 2, Dung beetle assemblages (Aphodius, Sphaeridium, and Geotrupes species) w ere monitored by: dung-baited pitfall trapping at: 10-day intervals during the seasonally active period at eleven. sites in southern ireland. Three of the sites were monitored over at lease 2 years between 1991 and 1996. 3, Although the species composition of the above taxonomic groups was compa rable among sites and years, relative abundances of component species varie d considerably. Detrended correspondence analysis ordinations indicated a s imilar level of variability in dung beetle assemblage structure among years , and among sites approximate to 1-180 km apart. 4. Processes that may contribute to spatio-temporal variability in dung bee tle assemblages are discussed, and strategies for future research are sugge sted.