Aidophus skelleyi
Harpootlian & Gordon, 2001
Aidophus skelleyi is a small in the , described in 2001 from Florida. As a member of the Aidophus, it belongs to a group of aphodiines characterized by reduced . The species is known only from the southeastern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aidophus skelleyi: //ˈaɪdoʊfəs ˈskɛliˌaɪ//
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Identification
Members of Aidophus are distinguished from other by their didactylous , possessing only two on each tarsus rather than the typical three. Specific identification of A. skelleyi requires examination of male and comparison with the only other described in the , A. granulatus.
Distribution
Recorded from Florida, USA. The occurs in the within the southeastern United States.
Ecological Role
As an aphodiine , it likely contributes to and soil aeration through burial activities, though specific ecological functions for this have not been documented.
Similar Taxa
- Aidophus granulatusThe only other described in the Aidophus; A. skelleyi differs in genitalic structure and was described from Florida whereas A. granulatus has a broader distribution.