Agoliinus plutonicus

Members of Agoliinus are small aphodiine dung beetles, generally under 10 mm in length, with compact bodies and reduced elytral striae. A. plutonicus can be distinguished from congeners by subtle differences in the shape of the clypeus and pronotal margins, though precise diagnostic features require examination of male genitalia. The species name "plutonicus" (relating to Pluto/underworld) may allude to its dark coloration or subterranean habits.

Arid and semi-arid environments including desert grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands. Associated with mammal dung in dryland ecosystems.

Southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah) and northwestern Mexico (Sonora). Records indicate presence in both Nearctic and northern Neotropical zones.

Dung-feeding; coprophagous habits typical of Aphodiinae, though specific dietary preferences for this species are not documented.

Contributes to nutrient cycling and soil aeration through dung burial activities in arid ecosystems.

• Agoliinus paydeniOverlapping distribution in southwestern North America; distinguished by differences in male genitalia and subtle external morphology.
• Other Aphodiinae genera (e.g., Aphodius, Ataenius)Similar size and general habitus; Agoliinus species typically have more convex bodies and modified clypeal structures.

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life