Integrated modeling and experimental approaches reveal the impact of climate change on dung beetle distribution and function

Climate change is expected to alter the distribution and ecological functions of dung beetles, thus affecting ecosystem functioning due to the role these insects play in nutrient cycling and soil bioturbation. This study integrates species distribution models (SDMs) and field experiments to assess the impact of warming on Canthon humectus and C. indigaceus . Using SDMs calibrated with bioclimatic variables, we projected the future distribution of both species under different climate change scenarios. Field experiments employing open-top chambers were used to simulate temperature increases, enabling us to measure dung removal rates and brood ball size and length. Additionally, we implemented density treatments to evaluate the influence of intraspecific competition on these ecological functions. Our results indicate that C. humectus , the larger species, could experience a minor reduction in the availability of suitable habitat (