The evolution of conglobation in Ceratocanthinae

Evolutionary and functional analyses alongside new fossil specimens expand our understanding of rolling-into-ball behaviour in pill scarab beetles. Conglobation is an adaptive behaviour occurring independently in various animal groups. Here, we study the evolution of conglobation in Ceratocanthinae, a beetle group with the ability to roll three body segments into a tight ball. It is here implied that this ability evolved only once in the Mesozoic. Evidence is offered suggesting that the high defensive strength of Ceratocanthinae is due not only to the spherical body shape but also to the thickness and stronger mechanical properties of the dorsal cuticle. We further validate five adaptive characters including the allometrically thickened body wall and find that the specific adaptation of different body segments are likely separate evolutionary events. Finally, we propose an attackers stress hypothesis to explain the origin of conglobation behaviours. This work contributes to understanding how and why conglobation behaviour may have evolved in this group.

Automated summary

This study expands our understanding of rolling-into-ball behavior in pill scarab beetles through evolutionary and functional analyses as well as new fossil specimens. The research suggests that this behavior evolved only once in the Ceratocanthinae group and that the high defensive strength is attributed to body shape and dorsal cuticle features. Additionally, the specific adaptation of different body segments is likely separate evolutionary events.