Cryptoscatomaseter
Gordon & Skelley, 2007
Cryptoscatomaseter is a of in the , . It was described by Gordon and Skelley in 2007 and is known from the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are small to -sized associated with decomposition. The genus is part of the diverse Aphodiini tribe, which contains many that feed on animal .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryptoscatomaseter: //ˌkrɪptoʊˌskætəˈmæstər//
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Identification
Cryptoscatomaseter can be distinguished from related aphodiine by features of the male and external detailed in the original description. As with many , identification to genus level requires examination of subtle characters including the shape of the , pronotal margins, and aedeagal structure. Comparison with or authoritative to Neotropical Aphodiini is necessary for reliable identification.
Images
Distribution
Neotropical region. Distribution records indicate presence in this , which includes Central and South America.
Ecological Role
As members of the , in this likely contribute to decomposition and in their . This ecological function is characteristic of the , though specific studies on Cryptoscatomaseter have not been documented.
Similar Taxa
- AphodiusAphodius is a large and historically broad in the same tribe (Aphodiini) with which Cryptoscatomaseter shares general body form and associations. Cryptoscatomaseter was separated from related based on distinct morphological characters established in its 2007 description.
- Other Aphodiini generaNumerous small within Aphodiini share the general aphodiine of small, oval, convex bodies adapted for feeding. Distinguishing Cryptoscatomaseter requires reference to the original diagnostic characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was erected by Robert D. Gordon and Paul E. Skelley in 2007, reflecting ongoing refinement of . Many genera formerly included in the broad concept of Aphodius have been separated based on phylogenetic and morphological studies.
Species diversity
The number of included and their specific distributions within the Neotropical region have not been widely documented in accessible literature. The appears to be relatively poorly represented in collections based on limited iNaturalist observations (22 records as of source date).