Pseudocanthon
Bates, 1887
Species Guides
1- Pseudocanthon perplexus(four-toothed dung beetle)
Pseudocanthon is a of dung beetles in the Scarabaeidae, tribe Deltochilini. The genus comprises approximately 10 valid and two , with five species recorded in South America. Three South American species were described as new in a 2021 taxonomic revision: P. vazdemelloi, P. pantanensis, and P. chaquensis. The genus was historically treated as a subgenus of Canthon but is now recognized at generic rank.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pseudocanthon: //ˌsjuːdoʊˈkænθən//
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Identification
Members of Pseudocanthon can be distinguished from related in the Deltochilini by morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys. The 2021 revision provides an identification key specifically for the five South American , accompanied by illustrations of diagnostic morphological features. P. perplexus and P. xanthurus are the two previously described species occurring in South America, while the three new species are distinguished by unique character combinations described in the revision.
Images
Distribution
South America. Five are recorded from this region: P. perplexus (LeConte, 1847), P. xanthurus (Blanchard, 1847), and three species described in 2021: P. vazdemelloi, P. pantanensis, and P. chaquensis. Additional distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Colombia (Puerto López). The has broader distribution beyond South America, with approximately 10 valid species total.
Similar Taxa
- CanthonPseudocanthon was historically treated as a subgenus of Canthon, and the two share tribal placement in Deltochilini. They are distinguished by morphological characters detailed in taxonomic revisions.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Pseudocanthon was originally described by Bates in 1887. It has been variously treated as a or as a subgenus of Canthon. Catalogue of Life currently lists it as Canthon (Pseudocanthon), while other sources including the 2021 revision and GBIF recognize it at generic rank.
Species inventory
The 2021 revision by Vaz-de-Mello and colleagues recognized 10 valid and two for the globally, with five species in South America. Three of these South American species were newly described: P. vazdemelloi, P. pantanensis, and P. chaquensis.