Aphodiini

Leach, 1815

aphodiine dung beetles

Aphodiini is a tribe of small within the (). It comprises over 250 and approximately 2,200 described , making it one of the most species-rich tribes of aphodiine dung beetles. Members are characterized by small to moderate body size and association with and decomposing matter.

Nialaphodius by (c) Gerry van Tonder, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gerry van Tonder. Used under a CC-BY license.Chilothorax by (c) Иван Пристрем, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Иван Пристрем. Used under a CC-BY license.Chilothorax by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphodiini: //ˌæfoʊˈdaɪ.ɪˌnaɪ//

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Identification

Small to moderately sized (approximately 6–7 mm in representative ). Diagnostic features within the tribe include: pronotal punctation often double with coarse punctures distinctly larger than fine punctures; with dense coarse punctation and long macrosetae covering the surface; denticles small but distinct; microreticulation present on elytra before ; and male protibial distinctly inwardly hooked in some .

Images

Distribution

distribution with greatest diversity in Palearctic and Oriental regions. Some extend into North America and Afrotropical regions.

Behavior

have been observed in association with animal , with collection via -traps using various animal and interception traps indicating attraction to dung substrates and active flying .

Sources and further reading