Oscarinus bottimeri
(Cartwright, 1957)
Oscarinus bottimeri is a dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae, described by Cartwright in 1957. The Oscarinus contains associated with cattle in agricultural environments. Like related species in the genus, O. bottimeri likely contributes to nutrient cycling and soil aeration through dung burial activities.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oscarinus bottimeri: //ˌɒskəˈraɪnəs ˌbɒtɪˈmɛri//
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Identification
Oscarinus bottimeri can be distinguished from other Oscarinus by examination of male genitalia and specific elytral punctation patterns; exact diagnostic features require taxonomic keys. The is characterized by small to medium size, oval body form, and typical aphodiine dung beetle with clubbed .
Habitat
Agricultural landscapes with cattle presence; associated with deposits in pasture and rangeland environments.
Distribution
Recorded from Texas, USA (Nearctic) and Nuevo León, Mexico (Neotropical).
Diet
-feeding; specifically associated with cattle dung based on -level .
Host Associations
- Bos taurus - sourcecattle
Behavior
Burrows into and transports for feeding and ; contributes to dung removal and soil incorporation.
Ecological Role
Nutrient recycler and engineer; burial activity reduces surface dung accumulation, returns nutrients to soil, and may reduce methane emissions from decomposing dung.
Human Relevance
Beneficial insect in cattle farming systems; potentially vulnerable to cattle parasiticides present in treated , based on documented effects on congeneric .
Similar Taxa
- Oscarinus rusicola with overlapping distribution and ; distinguished by subtle morphological differences requiring expert examination.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Originally described by Cartwright in 1957; the Oscarinus is part of the diverse Aphodiinae within Scarabaeidae.
Conservation concern
health may be compromised by veterinary chemicals used in cattle, based on demonstrated sensitivity of related Oscarinus to parasiticides in .