Geopsammodius
Gordon & Pittino, 1992
tiny sand-loving scarabs
Species Guides
6- Geopsammodius fuscus
- Geopsammodius hydropicus(Atlantic dune tiny sand-loving scarab)
- Geopsammodius morrisi
- Geopsammodius relictillus(relictual tiny sand-loving scarab)
- Geopsammodius subpedalis(underfoot tiny sand-loving scarab)
- Geopsammodius unsidensis
Geopsammodius is a of aphodiine dung beetles comprising approximately nine described , all described or revised by Skelley in 2006. The genus was established by Gordon & Pittino in 1992. Species are found in sandy in North America, with several bearing referencing their small size and sand-dwelling habits.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Geopsammodius: /d͡ʒiːɒpsæmˈmoʊdiəs/
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Identification
Members of this can be distinguished from other Psammodiini by the combination of small body size and association with sandy substrates. Specific identification to level requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological features described in Skelley's 2006 revision.
Habitat
Sandy , including coastal dunes and inland sand deposits. The specific epithet 'hydropicus' refers to the Atlantic dune habitat, and 'subpedalis' (underfoot) suggests beach or easily accessible sandy areas.
Distribution
Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Records indicate presence in North America, with described from specific localities including the Okefenokee-Okeechobee region (ohoopee), Withlacoochee River basin (withlacoochee), and Atlantic coastal dunes.
Similar Taxa
- Other Psammodiini generaGeopsammodius shares the tribe Psammodiini with other sand-dwelling aphodiine ; differentiation requires careful examination of tarsal structure and male genitalia
More Details
Species diversity
Eight of the nine described were named or revised by Paul E. Skelley in 2006, indicating a relatively recent taxonomic understanding of the group. Several species have descriptive emphasizing their small size ('tiny') and preference ('sand-loving').