Xeropsamobeus asellus
(Schmidt, 1907)
Xeropsamobeus asellus is a small aphodiine in the . The was described in 1907 and has been recorded from the United States and Mexico, with some sources suggesting it may be to Texas. As a member of the , it belongs to a group commonly known as lesser dung beetles. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Xeropsamobeus asellus: //ˌzɪərɒpsæmoʊˈbiːəs əˈsɛləs//
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Distribution
Recorded from the United States (Texas) and Mexico (Durango). Some sources indicate it may be to Texas, suggesting the Mexican records may require verification or represent a restricted range within the Nearctic region.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Xeropsamobeus is classified within the tribe Aphodiini, subtribe Aphodiina. The specific epithet 'asellus' is shared with the isopod Oniscus asellus, but these are unrelated ; the isopod has been studied for microplastic fragmentation , which does not apply to this .