Planolinellus
Dellacasa & Dellacasa, 2005
Species Guides
1Planolinellus is a of scarab beetles in the Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae. The genus was established by Dellacasa & Dellacasa in 2005. It belongs to the tribe Aphodiini and is part of the diverse group of dung beetles and related within the scarab family. in this genus are small to medium-sized beetles associated with decomposing organic matter.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Planolinellus: //ˌplænəˈlaɪnɛləs//
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Identification
Members of Planolinellus can be distinguished from related Aphodiinae by genitalic and external morphological characters established in the original generic description. The genus is characterized within the Aphodiini by specific combinations of clypeal, pronotal, and elytral features. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia and detailed morphological analysis.
Distribution
Holarctic region and Mexican Transition Zone.
Similar Taxa
- AphodiusPlanolinellus was separated from the historically broad Aphodius based on distinct morphological characters; both share membership in Aphodiini but differ in specific structural features of the genitalia and external .
- PlanolinopsisClosely related within Aphodiini with which Planolinellus shares phylogenetic affinities; separation based on subtle but consistent differences in male genitalia and body proportions.
More Details
Taxonomic History
The Planolinellus was erected by Mario and Gino Dellacasa in 2005 as part of ongoing revisions to the historically problematic genus Aphodius. The type and full composition of the genus have been defined through detailed morphological studies of the Aphodiinae.