Haroldiataenius
Chalumeau, 1981
Species Guides
4Haroldiataenius is a of aphodiine dung beetles established by Chalumeau in 1981. The genus contains nine described distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. As members of the tribe Eupariini, these beetles are classified within the Aphodiinae, a group commonly known as small dung beetles or lesser scarabs.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Haroldiataenius: //ˌhæ.roʊˈliː.əˈtiː.ni.əs//
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Identification
Haroldiataenius can be distinguished from other Eupariini by a combination of morphological characters established in the original generic description, though specific diagnostic features require examination of and comparative taxonomic literature. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed in related genera based on revised understanding of aphodiine relationships.
Distribution
Nearctic and Neotropical regions. occur from the southern United States through Mexico and Central America, with some extending into South America.
Similar Taxa
- AphodiusBoth belong to Aphodiinae and share general body plan of small dung beetles; Haroldiataenius was separated based on distinct morphological characters in male genitalia and other structural features.
- AtaeniusClosely related in tribe Eupariini with which Haroldiataenius shares tribal characteristics; separation based on specific tibial and genitalic .
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Chalumeau in 1981 to accommodate that were previously classified in other aphodiine genera, particularly Ataenius and related . The type species is Haroldiataenius limbatus (Bates, 1887). Most species were transferred to this genus through subsequent taxonomic revisions by Stebnicka and other aphodiine .
Species diversity
The nine described include: H. buvexus (2009), H. convexus (1940), H. griffini (1974), H. hintoni (1933), H. limbatus (1887), H. lucanus (1871), H. mariarum (1887), H. saramari (1939), and H. semipilosus (1928). Several species were originally described in other and later transferred to Haroldiataenius.