Diapterna

Horn, 1887

Species Guides

Diapterna is a of aphodiine dung beetles in the Scarabaeidae, established by Horn in 1887. The genus contains six described distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized scarab beetles associated with and decaying organic matter. Like other aphodiines, they are classified as 'dwellers' that feed and reproduce within dung rather than constructing tunnels.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diapterna: /daɪˈæptərnə/

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Distribution

Nearctic and Neotropical regions. occur in North America (including the United States and Mexico) based on described species distributions.

Diet

and decaying organic matter; specific feeding habits are inferred from placement within Aphodiinae but direct observations for this are limited.

Ecological Role

Nutrient cycling through processing of and decaying organic matter; specific contributions for this are not well documented.

Human Relevance

Minimal direct economic importance; occasionally encountered in dung beetle surveys and biodiversity studies.

More Details

Species Diversity

Six described : Diapterna dugesi (Bates, 1887), Diapterna hamata (Say, 1824), Diapterna hyperborea (LeConte, 1850), Diapterna omissa (LeConte, 1850), Diapterna pinguella (Brown, 1929), and Diapterna pinguis (Haldeman, 1848). Two species were described by LeConte in 1850, indicating early recognition of this in North American entomology.

Taxonomic History

The was established by Horn in 1887. It is currently classified within the tribe Aphodiini, subtribe Aphodiina, reflecting its placement among the 'true' aphodiine dung beetles.