Trichonotuloides aphoderrans
Skelley & Warner, 2015
Trichonotuloides aphoderrans is a of aphodiine dung beetle described from Arizona in 2015. The Trichonotuloides comprises small to medium-sized scarab beetles associated with decomposing organic matter. This species is distinguished from by specific morphological features of the pronotum and . It is known only from the type locality in the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trichonotuloides aphoderrans: /ˌtrɪkəˌnɒtjʊˈlɔɪdiːz ˌæfəˈdɛrænz/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Trichonotuloides by the combination of: pronotum with distinct lateral marginal setae, elytral intervals with fine punctation, and specific male genitalic structures. The species name "aphoderrans" refers to its similarity to Aphodius species. For definitive identification, examination of male genitalia is required.
Habitat
Known from montane or upland areas in Arizona; specific microhabitat preferences are not documented but are associated with decaying plant matter and .
Distribution
Known only from Arizona, United States. Type locality and all confirmed records are from this state.
Ecological Role
As a member of Aphodiinae, likely contributes to nutrient cycling through processing of decomposing organic matter, though specific ecological functions for this are undocumented.
Similar Taxa
- Trichonotuloides speciesOther members of the share general body form and associations; T. aphoderrans is distinguished by specific pronotal and elytral characters described in the original description.
- Aphodius speciesSimilar superficial appearance in size and general habitus, reflected in the epithet; distinguished by genitalic and chaetotaxy characters.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet "aphoderrans" derives from Aphodius (a related of dung beetles) + Latin "errans" (wandering/deviating), referring to the ' resemblance to Aphodius while being classified in a different genus.
Taxonomic History
Described by Paul E. Skelley and William B. Warner in 2015 as part of a revision of North American Trichonotuloides. The description was based on specimens from Arizona.