Melanocanthon punctaticollis

Members of Melanocanthon are small, compact dung beetles (usually 4-7 mm) with a rounded body form and reduced elytra that expose several abdominal tergites. The genus is distinguished from related deltochilines by its small size, lack of a distinct clypeal horn in males, and specific arrangements of pronotal punctation. The specific epithet "punctaticollis" refers to punctation on the pronotum, which may aid in distinguishing this species from congeners. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia.

Known from Florida, USA. GBIF records indicate occurrence in the Nearctic region, specifically the Florida peninsula.

As a member of Scarabaeinae, this species likely functions as a dung decomposer, contributing to nutrient cycling and soil aeration through burial of mammalian dung.

• Melanocanthon nigrusOverlaps in geographic range and shares small body size and dark coloration; distinguished by subtle differences in pronotal punctation and male genitalia structure.
• Other Deltochilini genera (e.g., Canthon, Pseudocanthon)Similar small size and dung-associated ecology; Melanocanthon is distinguished by its particular body shape, reduced elytra, and lack of prominent cephalic or pronotal armature.

• dung beetle
• Scarabaeinae
• Florida endemic
• poorly known

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life