Invader’s success: behavioural and reproductive plasticity of interacting exotic dung beetles

Abstract Dung beetles have been introduced to non-native sites perform dung removal function in cattle pastures. Despite some species becoming invasive, their behavioural and reproductive strategies remain be elucidated detail. Here we evaluated the shift behaviour reproduction of two beetles, Euoniticellus intermedius Digitonthophagus gazella , when they interact with same or other out native range. Under natural conditions, E. brood masses were lighter traps (i.e., field enclosures) more total masses. In laboratory, D. induced faster colonization by conspecifics. The presence conspecifics heterospecifics reduced success revealing intense competition for dung. offspring, females emerged larger differential maternal investment triggered competitors. conclusion, plasticity are fundamental become successful invaders.