Aphodius

Aphodius

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphodius: //æˈfoʊdiəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Aphodius.fimetarius.-.calwer.21.20 by Emil Hochdanz . Used under a Public domain license.
Aphodius fimetarius1 by www.invertebradosdehuesca.com. Used under a CC BY 3.0 es license.
Insektenatlas 2020- GASTMAHL IM PFERDEAPFEL Dungbewohnende Käfer, darunter der Gemeine Dungkäfer (Aphodius fimetarius) , in tierischen Exkrementen, Frühling bis Herbst, bei Augsburg, Tiere pro Kilogramm by boellstiftung. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.
Aphodius fimetarius - inat 118184070 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Aphodius fimetarius (New Zealand) by S.E. Thorpe. Used under a Public domain license.
Aphodius.fimetarius by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Aphodius is a genus of dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, which includes a dozen species known for their role in dung decomposition within North temperate ecosystems. The genus has a complex taxonomic history and includes both adventive species and a variety of ecological roles.

Habitat

North temperate ecosystems.

Distribution

Old World, with some adventive species in other areas.

Diet

Adults and larvae are primarily coprophagous (dung feeding), with some herbivorous or saprophagous larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Aphodius species typically dominate dung beetle communities, contributing to nutrient cycling and decomposition processes in their ecosystem.

Evolution

Most genera of the tribe Aphodiini were previously treated as subgenera of Aphodius.

Tags

  • beetles
  • Aphodius
  • Scarabaeidae
  • dung beetles
  • coprophagous