Parataenius simulator

(Harold, 1868)

Parataenius simulator is a small aphodiine dung beetle native to South America that has established an exceptionally broad global distribution spanning six biogeographic realms. First described by Harold in 1868, this has been recorded across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. In 2024, it was reported for the first time on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile, where specimens were intercepted at Mataveri International Airport; no self-sustaining have been confirmed elsewhere on the island. The mechanism and timing of its worldwide remain subjects of investigation.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Parataenius simulator: /ˌpæɹəˈtiːniəs ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪtər/

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Distribution

Native to South America; now present across six biogeographic realms including the Neotropics (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay), Nearctic (USA: Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah), Palearctic (Portugal), Australasia (Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria; New Zealand), Afrotropical (Africa), and Caribbean. Introduced are known in multiple regions. First recorded on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile in 2024 based on specimens intercepted at Mataveri International Airport.

More Details

Introduction to Rapa Nui

The 2024 record from Rapa Nui represents a potential new insular introduction. Specimens were intercepted at Mataveri International Airport, suggesting human-mediated transport as the likely route of entry. No evidence currently exists of established, self-sustaining elsewhere on the island.

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