Melinopterus

Mulsant, 1842

Species Guides

3

Melinopterus is a of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) established by Mulsant in 1842. The genus comprises more than 20 described , many of which were formerly classified under Aphodius. These beetles belong to the Aphodiinae, a group commonly known as small dung beetles or earth-boring dung beetles. The genus has been documented in over 2,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate research and citizen science attention.

Aphodius (Melinopterus) prodromus (BG) (32921107003) by David Short from Windsor, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Melinopterus prodromus - inat 112018504 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC0 license.Aphodius prodromus (=Melinopterus) (2008-04-24) by Entomart. Used under a Attribution license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Melinopterus: /mɛlɪˈnɒptərəs/

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Identification

in Melinopterus are distinguished from other Aphodiinae by combinations of characters including pronotal and elytral , leg , and genitalia structure. Many species were transferred to this genus from Aphodius based on phylogenetic revisions, making historical literature potentially misleading for identification. Accurate identification to species level generally requires examination of male genitalia and detailed morphological characters.

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Distribution

of Melinopterus have been documented across multiple continents based on iNaturalist observations and taxonomic records, though specific range data varies by species. The appears to have a broad distribution consistent with many Aphodiinae genera.

Human Relevance

The taxonomic reclassification of from Aphodius to Melinopterus has implications for ecological studies and biodiversity databases, requiring updates to historical records and species lists.

Similar Taxa

  • AphodiusMany Melinopterus were previously classified in Aphodius; the share general body form and placement, requiring careful examination to distinguish.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Significant taxonomic revision has occurred within Aphodiinae, with Melinopterus receiving previously assigned to Aphodius. This reflects ongoing phylogenetic research in the .

Sources and further reading