Coprophilous
Guides
Abraeini
Abraeini is a tribe of minute clown beetles within the family Histeridae, first described by MacLeay in 1819. Members of this tribe are among the smallest histerid beetles and are characterized by reduced elytra that expose several abdominal segments. They are primarily associated with decaying organic matter and have been observed in various microhabitats including dung, carrion, and fungal fruiting bodies. The tribe contains multiple genera, though species-level taxonomy remains incompletely resolved for many groups.
Lotophila atra
Lotophila atra is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, distributed across the Palearctic region. The species is characterized by its small size and association with decaying organic matter. Larvae develop in moist, decomposing substrates where they feed on microorganisms.
Macrochelidae
Macrochelidae is a cosmopolitan family of predatory mites in the order Mesostigmata. The family is primarily associated with ephemeral, nutrient-rich habitats such as animal dung, where they prey on nematodes, oligochaete worms, and arthropod eggs. Phoresy on flying insects—particularly dung beetles and flies—enables dispersal between temporary resource patches. Some species have been developed as biological control agents for pest management.
Oxytelinae
Spiny-legged Rove Beetles
Oxytelinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) comprising approximately 20 genera and at least 320 described species. Members possess a unique pair of defensive glands that open onto the ninth tergum. They are commonly found in moist habitats including streamside moss, leaf litter, beaches, and dung. The subfamily is distributed worldwide with notable diversity in the Nearctic (17 genera, 262 species in North America) and Palearctic regions.