Onthophagus durangoensis
Balthasar, 1939
Onthophagus durangoensis is a dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae, native to mountainous regions of Mexico and extending into the southwestern United States. It inhabits montane forests and has been documented in states across central and western Mexico, as well as in Arizona and New Mexico. Like other members of its , it is associated with mammal and plays a role in nutrient cycling in its . The species was described by Balthasar in 1939 and is considered valid and accepted in current .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Onthophagus durangoensis: /ɒnˈθɒfəɡəs ˌdjʊərænˈɡoʊˌɛnsɪs/
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Habitat
Montane forests in the mountainous regions of Mexico, including disturbed forest affected by livestock grazing. Found at various elevations across the Mexican mountain ranges.
Distribution
Mexico: Aguascalientes, Colima, Distrito Federal, Durango, Estado de México, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Sinaloa. United States: Arizona, New Mexico.
Diet
Feeds on mammal .
Ecological Role
Contributes to nutrient cycling and soil aeration through burial activities. Serves as a decomposer in montane forest , including those disturbed by livestock grazing.
Human Relevance
for biodiversity in disturbed montane forest . Presence documented in livestock-affected , suggesting adaptability to human-modified environments.
Similar Taxa
- Onthophagus clavijeroiAnother Onthophagus described from montane forests in Mexico with similar preferences; both discovered in disturbed forest habitats affected by livestock grazing.
- Onthophagus martinpieraiSympatric congeneric from Mexican montane forests with overlapping distribution and .