Coprophilus

Latreille, 1829

Coprophilus is a of (: Oxytelinae) containing approximately 30–32 . Members are restricted to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and lead cryptic lifestyles in decomposing matter. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning '-loving', reflecting their frequent association with dung and decaying material. Species identification is complicated by high morphological variability and underdeveloped .

Coprophilus striatulus by (c) Ben Armstrong, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ben Armstrong. Used under a CC-BY license.

Coprophilus striatulus 278471733 by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Coprophilus-striatulus-10-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coprophilus: /kɔˈprɔfɪləs/

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Identification

High morphological variability within creates serious difficulties in identification. Coprophilus pseudopiceus can be distinguished from the similar C. schubertii by shape and proportions, lighter elytral coloration, slightly coarser pronotal punctation, less developed , and differences in structure. The two species may be vicariant but occur sympatrically in the Rostov Region of Russia.

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Habitat

Found in rotting plants and wood, compost, leaf litter, and near . Specific collection records include creek banks at 1753m elevation, forest near mountain villages at 900m, and animal burrows including those of ground squirrels (susliks) and bobak marmots.

Distribution

Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Documented from Europe (Austria, Germany, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Montenegro, Russia), the Caucasus (Abkhazia, Georgia), and Turkey. New records extend the range of C. striatulus to Eastern Turkey, C. solskyi to Russia, and C. pseudopiceus to Russia.

Host Associations

Citellus pygmaeus - burrow associationground squirrel (suslik); specimens collected from burrows
Marmota bobak - burrow associationbobak marmot; specimens collected from burrows

Behavior

Lead a hidden, cryptic lifestyle and are poorly represented in collections. Some have been found in animal burrows. Coprophilus pseudopiceus and C. schubertii may occur sympatrically, sometimes found in the same burrow.

Similar Taxa

Coprophilus schubertiiMorphologically similar to C. pseudopiceus; distinguished by shape, elytral coloration, pronotal punctation, development, and structure. May be vicariant .

More Details

Systematic challenges

The of Coprophilus remains poorly developed due to high intraspecific variability and limited collection records.