Xeropsamobeus acerbus

The extremely small size (3 mm) distinguishes this species from most other scarab beetles. Within the genus Xeropsamobeus, identification to species level requires examination of subtle morphological characters such as genitalia and pronotal shape; X. acerbus is currently known only from the type locality region in Texas.

Adults measure approximately 3 mm in length. As an aphodiine dung beetle, it is presumed to have the compact, convex body form typical of the subfamily, though specific morphological details are not well documented in available sources.

Associated with colonies of the Texas leafcutter ant (Atta texana), suggesting a habitat preference for sandy or loamy soils in areas supporting this ant species.

Documented from Texas, United States. The true range is suspected to extend into Louisiana based on ecological inference, though this remains unconfirmed by specimen records.

• Atta texana - associated withTexas leafcutter ant; nature of association unclear

• Other Xeropsamobeus speciesCongeneric species share the minute size and general aphodiine morphology; require detailed examination for separation
• Other AphodiinaeMany aphodiine dung beetles are small and convex; geographic restriction to Texas helps narrow identification

• dung beetle
• myrmecophile
• Texas endemic
• minute beetle
• leafcutter ant associate

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life