Phanaeus igneus

MacLeay, 1819

Phanaeus igneus is a of dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae. It is one of several North American Phanaeus species characterized by metallic coloration and in horn development. The species exhibits two recognized : P. i. igneus and P. i. floridanus. Like other members of its , it is associated with mammal and plays a role in nutrient cycling.

Phanaeus igneus by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Phanaeus igneus by François Michonneau. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phanaeus igneus: /fəˈniːəs ˈɪɡniəs/

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Distribution

The has been recorded from Colombia (Yopal, Caguán-Primavera region) based on GBIF distribution records. The P. i. floridanus is restricted to Florida, suggesting the nominate subspecies occurs elsewhere in the range.

Similar Taxa

Phanaeus vindexBoth are North American Phanaeus with metallic coloration and horned males; P. vindex is more widely distributed and better studied, often called the rainbow dung beetle
Phanaeus difformisAnother North American with similar body plan and -associated ; subtle differences in coloration and pronotal structure distinguish them

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Phanaeus igneus igneus (nominate form) and Phanaeus igneus floridanus Olsoufieff, 1924, the latter restricted to Florida. The basis for this subspecific distinction requires further examination.