This piece is coauthored with entomologist Raj Mahabir and originally appeared in the Tobago Newsday on the 31st May 2018.
When you think about the biodiversity of the main Ridge Forest Reserve, which creature springs to mind? The sabrewing hummingbird? The blue-backed manakin? The agouti? It is probably safe to bet that you are not imagining a dung beetle.
Today, we are here to convince you that these smaller inhabitants of the MRR are just as important and interesting as the more familiar animals associated with Tobago’s forests.
Almost a third of all insects are beetles – more than 300,000 species worldwide. They are distinguished by their hard outer wings, which protect the delicate flight wings underneath. At least 700 species are found in Tobago alone, and they play many essential roles within the ecosystem, from pollinating plants to eating pests.
When you think about the biodiversity of the main Ridge Forest Reserve, which creature springs to mind? The sabrewing hummingbird? The blue-backed manakin? The agouti? It is probably safe to bet that you are not imagining a dung beetle.
Today, we are here to convince you that these smaller inhabitants of the MRR are just as important and interesting as the more familiar animals associated with Tobago’s forests.
Almost a third of all insects are beetles – more than 300,000 species worldwide. They are distinguished by their hard outer wings, which protect the delicate flight wings underneath. At least 700 species are found in Tobago alone, and they play many essential roles within the ecosystem, from pollinating plants to eating pests.
Beetles come in many shapes, sizes and colours, but each has a hard pair of outer wings protecting their delicate flight wings underneath (see top right). Photos: Amy Deacon
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