Aphodiini

Pronunciation

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

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Summary

Aphodiini is a diverse tribe of dung beetles consisting of more than 250 genera and 2,200 species, with a significant proportion of North American species being coprophagous, feeding on animal droppings, particularly from rodents and deer.

Distribution

North America, especially in eastern forests

Diet

Coprophagous, feeding on animal droppings such as those of deer and cattle

Ecosystem Role

Important as decomposers and nutrient recyclers in ecosystems, particularly through dung decomposition.

Evolution

Aphodiini has undergone significant taxonomic revisions, with many species previously classified under the genus Aphodius now placed in various other genera.

Misconceptions

Some species are introduced from Europe and are believed to primarily feed on cattle dung, which may differ from native behaviors.

Tags

• Aphodiini
• dung beetles
• Scarabaeidae
• coprophages
• North America