Onthophagus polyphemi

Hubbard, 1894

gopher tortoise onthophagus beetle, onthophagus tortoise commensal scarab, Tortoise Commensal Scarab

Onthophagus polyphemi is a dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae. It is known for its association with gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), inhabiting their burrows in a commensal relationship. The species was described by Hubbard in 1894. Two are recognized: O. p. polyphemi and O. p. sparsisetosus.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Onthophagus polyphemi: /ɒnˈθɑːɡəs pɒˌlɪˈfiːmaɪ/

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Habitat

Inhabits burrows of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a reptile of sandy, well-drained soils in southeastern North America. The occupies the subterranean tunnel systems excavated by its tortoise.

Distribution

Southeastern United States, within the range of its gopher tortoise. The nominate O. p. polyphemi and O. p. sparsisetosus (described 1963) have discrete distributions corresponding to host .

Host Associations

  • Gopherus polyphemus - commensalInhabits burrows excavated by this tortoise

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Onthophagus polyphemi polyphemi Hubbard, 1894, and Onthophagus polyphemi sparsisetosus Howden & Cartwright, 1963. The latter was distinguished based on differences in setation.

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