Orphninae

Definition

A subfamily of scarab beetles (family Scarabaeidae) comprising two tribes: the New World Aegidiini and the Old World Orphnini. Members are predominantly tropical and include small to medium-sized beetles often associated with decaying organic matter.

Etymology

Example

Orphninae species in the tribe Orphnini are found across the Old World tropics, while Aegidiini occur in the Neotropics; both groups are often collected in leaf litter and soil samples.

Related Terms

• Scarabaeidae
• Aegidiini
• Orphnini
• scarab beetle
• Subfamily

Usage Notes

The subfamily is divided biogeographically between its two constituent tribes. Orphninae is sometimes grouped with other 'lesser' scarab subfamilies and may be revised in future phylogenetic treatments of Scarabaeidae. Not to be confused with the superficially similar-sounding Orphnus (a genus within the group).