Ataenius confertus
Fall, 1909
Ataenius confertus is a small aphodiine in the . The was described by Fall in 1909 and is known from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like other members of the Ataenius, it is likely associated with decomposing matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ataenius confertus: //əˈtiːniəs kənˈfɜːrtəs//
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Distribution
Recorded from the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and northwestern Mexico (Baja California Sur, Sonora). The occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, specifically in arid and semi-arid zones of the Sonoran Desert and adjacent areas.
More Details
Taxonomic Notes
Ataenius confertus belongs to the tribe Eupariini within the . The Ataenius contains numerous , many of which are difficult to distinguish without detailed examination of male . The specific epithet 'confertus' (Latin for 'crowded' or 'pressed together') may refer to morphological features of the , though the original description has not been consulted.
Data Limitations
This is poorly represented in collections and literature. Only one observation is recorded in iNaturalist, and detailed biological information is lacking. Most knowledge of the Ataenius comes from a few economically important species; the majority of species remain biologically undocumented.