Onthophagus coproides

Horn, 1881

Onthophagus coproides is a small dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae, described by Horn in 1881. It measures 11–14 mm in length. The occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it participates in decomposition and nutrient cycling in arid and semi-arid environments.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Onthophagus coproides: /ɒnˈθɒfəɡəs kəˈprɔɪdiːz/

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Identification

Specific diagnostic features distinguishing O. coproides from are not documented in available sources. Identification to level requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters typical of the Onthophagus. It may be confused with other small Onthophagus species in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Appearance

measure 11–14 mm in length. As a member of the Onthophagus, it likely exhibits the compact, rounded body form typical of scarab beetles, with clubbed and hardened forewings () covering the . in horn development, common in the genus, has not been specifically documented for this .

Habitat

Arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented, but as a dung beetle, it is associated with mammal in open and disturbed .

Distribution

Southwestern United States (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico) and northern Mexico (Durango).

Diet

Feeds on mammal , as characteristic of the Onthophagus.

Ecological Role

Contributes to decomposition and nutrient cycling in arid . As a tunneler dung beetle, it likely buries dung to provision chambers, thereby aerating soil and reducing .

Similar Taxa

  • Onthophagus hecateOverlaps in range and in the southwestern United States; O. hecate is smaller (6–9 mm) and males possess a distinctive forked thoracic horn.
  • Onthophagus orpheusOccurs in urban and natural in North America; males exhibit pronounced horn dimorphism with alternative mating strategies, features not documented for O. coproides.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by George Henry Horn in 1881. The epithet 'coproides' refers to its -associated .

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Sources and further reading