Aphodiinae

Definition

A subfamily of scarab beetles (family Scarabaeidae) comprising small-bodied species commonly called small dung beetles. Members vary in ecology: many feed on dung, others on decaying organic matter, fungi, or live in termite or ant nests. The subfamily is distributed worldwide and is taxonomically diverse, containing at least eleven tribes including Aphodiini, Psammodiini, and Eupariini. Aphodiinae is distinguished from the more familiar ball-rolling and tunneling dung beetles of subfamily Scarabaeinae by generally smaller size, less robust digging morphology, and more varied feeding habits.

Etymology

From genus Aphodius + Latin feminine plural suffix -inae, denoting a subfamily

Example

Aphodiine beetles such as Aphodius fimetarius are frequently recovered from pasture soil samples and are important in nutrient cycling, though they lack the elaborate parental care behaviors seen in many Scarabaeinae.

Synonyms

• aphodiines

Related Terms

• Scarabaeidae
• Scarabaeinae
• dung beetle
• Aphodiini
• Psammodiini
• saprophagy
• scarab beetle

Usage Notes

The term is strictly plural in form but used as a collective singular for the subfamily. Not all aphodiines are dung-feeders; ecological habits are diverse and require verification for individual species. Formerly, some authorities treated Aphodiinae as a full family (Aphodiidae), but current classification places it within Scarabaeidae.