Aphodiini

Leach, 1815

aphodiine dung beetles

Genus Guides

59

Aphodiini is a tribe of small dung beetles within the Aphodiinae (Scarabaeidae). It comprises over 250 and approximately 2,200 described , making it one of the most species-rich tribes of aphodiine . Members are characterized by small to moderate body size and association with and decomposing organic 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 beetles (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; humeral denticles small but distinct; microreticulation present on elytra before apex; and male protibial spur 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