Scientific note: Phoretic interaction between Antherophagus (Coleoptera) and Bombus funebris (Hymenoptera), using Chuquiraga jussieui (Asteraceae) as transfer stations in the páramos

Abstract

Beetles of the genus Antherophagus are phoretic organisms that inhabit the nests of Bombus species. They migrate and colonize new nests using the same bumblebees as carriers. Although Antherophagus beetles from temperate Europe and North America are known to use some plant species to move between bumblebees, it is unknown which plants are used as transfer stations by neotropical Antherophagus. Here, we report for the first time how phoretic Antherophagus beetles of an undescribed species use the inflorescences of Chuquiraga jussieui to transfer between individuals of Bombus funebris in the páramos of Central Ecuador. Our observations are the highest records (at 4200 m asl) of a phoretic interaction performed so far.