Dellacasiellus kirni
(Cartwright, 1944)
A small dung beetle in the Aphodiinae, originally described as Aphodius kirni in 1944. The species was later transferred to the Dellacasiellus, a group of aphodiine scarabs associated with mammal . It occurs across the central United States and southern Canada, with scattered records extending into northern Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dellacasiellus kirni: //dɛl.laˈka.si.ɛl.lus ˈkɪr.ni//
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Identification
Aphodiine scarabs in this are small, oval to elongate-oval beetles with clubbed and reduced . Dellacasiellus may be distinguished from similar aphodiine genera by subtle characters of the , pronotum, and male genitalia; precise identification requires examination of dissected specimens.
Habitat
Associated with open grassland and prairie ; has been collected in agricultural settings and native grasslands.
Distribution
Central North America: recorded from Manitoba (Canada), and across the central United States including Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Also recorded from Chihuahua, Mexico.
Ecological Role
As an aphodiine dung beetle, likely contributes to decomposition and nutrient cycling in grassland .
Similar Taxa
- Aphodiinae (subfamily)Other small dung beetles in this share general body form; Dellacasiellus require careful examination of genitalia and mouthpart structures for definitive identification.